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23 pages, 1977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Scoring System to Evaluate the Level of Smartness in Commercial Buildings: A Case of Sri Lanka

by Randima Nirmal Gunatilaka, Fathima Nishara Abdeen and Samad M. E. Sepasgozar

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120644 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4792

Abstract

Smart buildings (SBs) are developed in many different ways and are self-proclaimed smart. There are a great number of publications introducing smart systems using a wider range of tools and sensors. However, the level of smartness, functions of the smart system, and the [...] Read more.

Smart buildings (SBs) are developed in many different ways and are self-proclaimed smart. There are a great number of publications introducing smart systems using a wider range of tools and sensors. However, the level of smartness, functions of the smart system, and the usefulness of the system are not the same, which may give a wrong impression to clients or potential buyers of a building. Developing a scoring system that enables determining the overall smartness of a building is necessary. Despite the necessity, there is a dearth of studies in this area. Hence, the purpose of this study is to develop a scoring system to evaluate the level of smartness of Sri Lankan commercial buildings. Thus, initially, smart criteria were identified, defined, and categorized through a literature survey. Subsequently, 35 experts in the commercial building sector were interviewed. Finally, the relative importance of the smart criteria was derived through the AHP technique, and accordingly, a scoring system was developed. The study identified six main criteria to evaluate the smartness of buildings in the scoring system. The automation criterion with the highest relative weight was concluded to be the dominant criterion (45.59%) in the scoring system. Communication and data sharing were placed at second with a relative weight of 18.76% and indicates the importance given by the study findings in establishing the backbones of SBs. Occupants’ comfort, energy management, occupants’ health and safety, and sustainability criterion were ranked third, fourth, fifth, and sixth within the scoring system. This study is one of the first to investigate in detail the contribution of both soft and hard services of a facility in determining the overall smartness of a building. Property developers in the commercial building sector can benefit from this study by recognizing the necessary criteria to be embedded in their SB development projects in order to attract more tenants and customers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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25 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Team Interactions in Traditional and BIM-Lean Design Management

by Rodrigo F. Herrera, Claudio Mourgues, Luis F. Alarcón and Eugenio Pellicer

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100447 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4470

Abstract

There is qualitative evidence showing that design teams that use BIM-lean management have a higher level of interaction than design teams that do not use this management approach. However, there is no quantitative empirical evidence of this higher level of interaction. Therefore, the [...] Read more.

There is qualitative evidence showing that design teams that use BIM-lean management have a higher level of interaction than design teams that do not use this management approach. However, there is no quantitative empirical evidence of this higher level of interaction. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present quantitative empirical evidence of the differences among the various types of interactions of a design team. Two case studies were analyzed, and their design management was assessed from a lean BIM perspective while their team interactions were assessed using social network analysis (SNA). To achieve the aim of this paper, four steps were performed: (1) case study selection; (2) description of the design management of the projects from the lean design management and BIM perspectives; (3) assessment of design team interaction; and (4) comparison using SNA. The results show that the project that applied BIM-lean management exhibited higher levels of interactions among its design team members than the traditional team; transparent, orderly, and standardized information flows; a collaborative, trusting, and learning environment; and commitment management. None of these interaction elements were visible in the project that did not apply BIM-lean management. It is suggested that an analysis be performed on a representative sample of projects in the future so that conclusive statistical inferences could be made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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17 pages, 256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Adopting Lean Construction in the Construction Industry—The Case of Jordan

by Wassim Al Balkhy, Rateb Sweis and Zoubeir Lafhaj

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060222 - 23 May 2021

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 8434

Abstract

During the last few decades, there has been a greater understanding of the role of lean construction (LC) in achieving better management of construction projects and enabling the application of the fourth industrial revolution in the construction industry (Construction 4.0), which in turn, [...] Read more.

During the last few decades, there has been a greater understanding of the role of lean construction (LC) in achieving better management of construction projects and enabling the application of the fourth industrial revolution in the construction industry (Construction 4.0), which in turn, has the potential to improve the practices and outcomes in the construction industry. This paper aims to identify the barriers to adopt LC practices by taking a case of the Kingdom of Jordan. A questionnaire that included 30 barriers that were resulted from a comprehensive literature review was distributed and filled by 326 respondents from the Jordanian construction industry. The findings showed that the absence of support from the top management, low awareness toward LC, lack of training, and the absence of transparency are amongst the most serious factors that hinder the adoption of LC. The findings in this paper might be helpful to improve the knowledge about LC and support the adoption of new techniques that might improve the performance in the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

16 pages, 2439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction Logistics Centres Proposing Kitting Service: Organization Analysis and Cost Mapping

by Soufiane El Moussaoui, Zoubeir Lafhaj, Fernanda Leite, Julien Fléchard and Bruno Linéatte

Buildings 2021, 11(3), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11030105 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4371

Abstract

The construction industry represents an important part of the global economy but is known for many issues such as harmful emissions, low productivity, waste generation, poor ergonomics, and construction incidents and accidents. A logistical view has proved to be a solid basis for [...] Read more.

The construction industry represents an important part of the global economy but is known for many issues such as harmful emissions, low productivity, waste generation, poor ergonomics, and construction incidents and accidents. A logistical view has proved to be a solid basis for improving construction performance while construction logistics centres (CLC) are gaining interest and proposing more services such as Kitting. Since the CLC-kitting-based approach is a new phenomenon, it is still a relatively unexplored topic. Hence, this paper addresses how this configuration could be applied to construction projects and what are its related costs information. The research design is based on a single case study showing the CLC-kitting use by a French general contractor in a student housing project. Data has been collected through site visits, observations, project documents, and discussions conducted with construction managers and logistics planners. Data analysis identified realized effects from deploying CLC-kitting in construction projects. Therefore, recommendations are provided, at both strategic and operational levels, which can be leveraged in similar projects. Finally, an identification of constructions logistics costs shows their distribution along the supply chain and was evaluated at 14.7% over material purchasing price. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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24 pages, 5727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AHP-Systems Thinking Analyses for Kaizen Costing Implementation in the Construction Industry

by Temitope Omotayo, Bankole Awuzie, Temitope Egbelakin, Lovelin Obi and Mercy Ogunnusi

Buildings 2020, 10(12), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120230 - 5 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8365

Abstract

The incessant reportage of cost overruns and abandoned projects in contemporary literature have accentuated the need for a re-examination of the nature of the cost management strategies deployed to these projects. This study explores the potential of kaizen costing strategy to engender effective [...] Read more.

The incessant reportage of cost overruns and abandoned projects in contemporary literature have accentuated the need for a re-examination of the nature of the cost management strategies deployed to these projects. This study explores the potential of kaizen costing strategy to engender effective cost management within construction project delivery systems in developing countries. Data collected during this study were analysed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and systems thinking approaches to determine the criticality of the factors influencing the effective implementation of kaizen costing. Seven (7) archetypes leading to final causal loop diagram identified the incorporation of the plan–do–check–act approach to project and cost planning, the budgeting system of the construction companies, overhead cost reduction during construction and the overall procurement process. Executing these archetypes will potentially reduce high overhead costs, project cost and time overruns, as well as enhance construction industry sector growth policies and construction organisation corporate governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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27 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lean Thinking and Industrial 4.0 Approach to Achieving Construction 4.0 for Industrialization and Technological Development

by Amusan Lekan, Aigbavboa Clinton, Ojo Sunday Isaac Fayomi and Owolabi James

Buildings 2020, 10(12), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120221 - 28 Nov 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6328

Abstract

The construction industry is responsible for the infrastructural and physical development of nations and plays a pivotal role in determining economic equilibrium of nations of the world; hence, there is a need for constant evolving of advanced ways of carrying out construction operations. [...] Read more.

The construction industry is responsible for the infrastructural and physical development of nations and plays a pivotal role in determining economic equilibrium of nations of the world; hence, there is a need for constant evolving of advanced ways of carrying out construction operations. The concept has led to the evolution of Construction 4.0, which entails harmonizing disruption in technological applications to enhance construction productivity. The study, therefore, provides an attempt at evolving an enhanced approach to improve construction processes and resource management through application of lean construction and Industry 4.0. The purposive sampling method was used in this study to collect data. The data collection instrument consists of a structured questionnaire designed in a Likert scale of 1 to 5 distributed to 100 construction professionals through an online method that is actively involved in construction operations. The following parameters were censored and profiled, while the results are in tables and charts. The parameters include areas of lean thinking that could enhance Construction 4.0, areas of disruption in Industry 4.0 that influence Construction 4.0 advancement and parameters for practical integrating of lean thinking approach and Industry 4.0. Additionally, the influence of Industry 4.0 in technological development for the construction industry, disruptive innovation of Industry 4.0 and gains towards Construction 4.0. Furthermore, the relevance of Construction 4.0 in construction productivity, the importance of Construction 4.0, industrial application drivers in achieving Construction 4.0, future of Construction 4.0, achieving automation goal in construction and performance expectation of lean thinking and Industry 4.0 in the construction industry are found necessary. Simple percentage, Spearman rankings, Chi-square test, Student-T test, Mann–Whitney-U test and Relative Agreement and Importance index are the tools used to process the data. The study discovered, among others, the veracity of contingency approach in harnessing attributes of the lean thinking concept and disruptive applications in achieving Construction 4.0. The study recommends the application of the hybrid model suggested in the study as a guide to deployment of an application that could help in industrial productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1901 KiB

Open AccessReview

Toward BIM and LPS Data Integration for Lean Site Project Management: A State-of-the-Art Review and Recommendations

by Maroua Sbiti, Karim Beddiar, Djaoued Beladjine, Romuald Perrault and Bélahcène Mazari

Buildings 2021, 11(5), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11050196 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 7683

Abstract

Over recent years, the independent adoption of lean construction and building information modeling (BIM) has shown improvements in construction industry efficiency. Because these approaches have overlapping concepts, it is thought that their synergistic adoption can bring many more benefits. Today, implementing the lean–BIM [...] Read more.

Over recent years, the independent adoption of lean construction and building information modeling (BIM) has shown improvements in construction industry efficiency. Because these approaches have overlapping concepts, it is thought that their synergistic adoption can bring many more benefits. Today, implementing the lean–BIM theoretical framework is still challenging for many companies. This paper conducts a comprehensive review with the intent to identify prevailing interconnected lean and BIM areas. To this end, 77 papers published in AEC journals and conferences over the last decade were reviewed. The proposed weighting matrix showed the most promising interactions, namely those related to 4D BIM-based visualization of construction schedules produced and updated by last planners. The authors also show evidence of the lack of a sufficiently integrated BIM–Last Planner System^® framework and technologies. Thus, we propose a new theoretical framework considering all BIM and LPS interactions. In our model, we suggest automating the generation of phase schedule using joint BIM data and a work breakdown structure database. Thereafter, the lookahead planning and weekly work plan is supported by a field application that must be able to exchange data with the enterprise resource planning system, document management systems, and report progress to the BIM model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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30 pages, 10576 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Additive Manufacturing Applications for Industry 4.0: A Systematic Critical Review

by Samad M. E. Sepasgozar, Anqi Shi, Liming Yang, Sara Shirowzhan and David J. Edwards

Buildings 2020, 10(12), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120231 - 6 Dec 2020

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 10983

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, including 3D printing (3DP), is one of the critical pillars of Industry 4.0 and the next construction revolution. Several countries, including China, have utilized 3DP on larger scales or real projects. However, reviews of the lessons learned from previous large-sized practices [...] Read more.

Additive manufacturing, including 3D printing (3DP), is one of the critical pillars of Industry 4.0 and the next construction revolution. Several countries, including China, have utilized 3DP on larger scales or real projects. However, reviews of the lessons learned from previous large-sized practices of 3DP utilization are scarce. This paper presents a few practical applications of implementing 3DP over the past decade and suggests a direction for future research work. Recent publications on 3DP practices are systematically reviewed using an interpretivist philosophical lens, and more specifically, the nozzle characteristics are focused upon. The Scopus and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) journal databases are utilized, resulting in the examination of 54 English and 62 Chinese papers. The selected practices from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao are considered for this review. A content critical review approach is adopted, and the identified papers are critically reviewed. These papers reported key challenges and advantages from their reported practices, such as limitations in aggregate sizes, nozzle sizes, standards, post-occupancy satisfaction, final product quality, productivity challenges and other associated risks. The paper reports upon prominent limitations and signposts directions for future investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Construction 4.0: The Connection of Lean Construction and Industry 4.0)

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