LEAN, Six Sigma + Value Engineering

Question 1

What LEAN techniques can be used in construction?

Answer 1

LEAN is about working smarter, not harder.

Waste minimisation - waste is anything which isn’t contributing to value

• Idle time
• Defects
• Inventory excess
• Worker Motion

Early contractor involvement
Value Engineering
BIM
Collaborative environment
“Big Room” Concept - organised by area not discipline
Stand up meetings
DMAIC - Define, Meausure, Analyse, Improve, Control

Question 2

What is meant by value engineering?

Answer 2

The process by which we deliver the same requirements for less cost, or a greater scope for the same cost.

Question 3

Example of value engineering from industry.

Answer 3

HS2
-Pre cast solution
Spliced, precast U-girders precast and cast in place slab for HS2 viaducts

This resulted in 20% saving in time and 35% saving in concrete.

Reduced working at height
Less traffic disruption
reduced delays due to weather

Reduction in wastage
Improved quality
Reduced likelihood of environmental incident
Smaller construction