Integrated implementation of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and lean project delivery system (LPDS)

Lean project delivery system (LPDS) has proven to be an effective productivity improvement method. Despite enormous benefits, the construction industry is struggling with effective implementation of LPDS especially in achieving Lean construction (LC) principles like improving the visualization and maintaining effective flow of information. Concurrently, Virtual design and construction (VDC) has opened new windows of opportunities for the construction industry through multidisciplinary integration of design, and construction processes and improving automation through visualization. Using the potentials of VDC to effectively implement LPDS is an area scarcely examined in the current body of knowledge. This study identifies implementation potential of LPDS integrated with VDC, and develops implementation steps to effectively utilize VDC functionalities within the Lean environment using a systematic literature review (SLR) process. The common links between VDC and LDPS are identified through review of academic and practice-based literature. Using a matrix in which potential benefits of VDC are analyzed based on their synergistic impact on Lean principles, a total of 351 positive hypothetical interactions were found between LC and VDC, displaying a strong synergy between them. Moreover, based on the literature, 65 opportunities associated with VDC that support LPDS implementation are identified. Apart from the support by VDC, six (6) areas where Lean intervention can mitigate the challenges faced by VDC are identified. In the end, proposed implementation steps for utilizing VDC within the LPDS environment have been developed. This novel study will help the construction industry improve performance through simultaneous application of LPDS and VDC.

Automated summary

The study identified the implementation potential of integrating LPDS with VDC and developed implementation steps to effectively utilize VDC functionalities within the Lean environment. By analyzing the potential benefits of VDC on Lean principles, a strong synergy between them was found, with a total of 351 positive hypothetical interactions. This novel approach will help the construction industry improve performance through the simultaneous application of LPDS and VDC.