Integration framework of bim with the last planner systemtm

Lean construction and BIM are two rapidly growing applied research areas in the realm of construction management. Both have justified their implementation by the significant improvements in the cost, schedule and quality of construction. Lean construction aims to remove the wastes in the construction process while BIM aims for greater collaboration among the project teams during the design and construction phases of a project. Both have been implemented independently on projects but there is lack of research showing their applications together on construction projects. Using a case of a major renovation project at the University of Texas at Austin, this paper presents the benefits of BIM implementation and further focuses on developing an integration framework of BIM with the Last Planner System of lean construction. BIM with its tools like 3D visualization, 4D simulation and MEP clash detection leads to increased collaboration among the project team and when integrated with the Last Planner System, it can help in reducing the variability inherent in the construction process. This paper presents an integration framework of BIM at three levels in the Last Planner System – at the Master Schedule level, Lookahead Schedule level and at the Weekly Work Plan level. The advantage of this integration is also discussed in this paper.