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 research 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 utilised. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests are used for data analysis; analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests elaborate and validate results.
Findings: - The research yielded ten BIM functionalities and ten LC principles, that are categorised in four principles 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.