Exploration of a lean-BIM planning framework: A last planner system and BIM-based case study

Current Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM) research has been focused largely on the theoretical aspects related to their integration and synergies. But little attention has been paid to the development of BIM-Lean practical methods to manage projects and provide evidence of the opportunities for performance enhancement. In this paper, we attempt to bridge this gap by proposing a Lean-BIM planning framework by integrating the Last Planner System and BIM. The development of the proof of concept of the BIM-Lean planning framework was undertaken by comparing two case studies: one using only LPS and the other using LPS and BIM. We followed construction activities related to rough work in two comparable building projects as part of the field office staff. We gathered project data and analysed and compared planning procedures in both projects. Data collected included: Weekly and lookahead planning meetings analyses; design requests for information (RFI); and LPS metrics. We then used flowcharts to document both planning processes and the improved planning proposal, and also, integrated the different planning levels. Results show that the coordinated use of LPS and BIM generates an increase in PPC, a decrease in reasons for non-compliance, a shortening of the meeting durations, and a decrease in the total number of design RFIs. The improved planning proposal combines LPS+BIM and facilitates the interaction of a larger and diverse number of project stakeholders around BIM manipulation in planning meetings. Project meetings become more effective and the communication of project planning improves as a result.