Al-Adwani, Manal M H M A
2021,
Development of a BIM and LEAN construction process protocol for the construction industry in Kuwait: from a client perspective
, PhD thesis, University of Salford.
Abstract
In Kuwait, there are substantial development plans for the construction industry; however,
this is not without obstacles, as it suffers from problems and faces many challenges that have
led to poor performance in the industry. This research focuses on the public sector as a sector
that could bring innovation to the government and support the aim Kuwait’s vision for 2035
for the construction industry. Moreover, it could help to introduce advanced methods that
enable the digitisation of the industry. This study investigates the most common problems
facing the Kuwaiti construction industry, identifies an appropriate solution to resolve these
issues, and thus, improve the industry.
Lean Construction (LC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have demonstrated their
effectiveness in improving the construction industry in many countries around the world. Lean
Construction is a management philosophy to minimise waste and add value for the customer,
whereas BIM is a process that manages information through the project lifecycle, from
planning and designing through to project completion. Since there is a lack of awareness of
Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling in Kuwait, it is essential to consider
these two resources when exploring ways to improve the efficiency of the construction
industry.
Mixed methods research is applied in this study, starting with a survey that explores the
challenges and examines the possible solutions applied in construction projects in Kuwait.
Subsequently, two case studies are selected to obtain in-depth information on the challenges,
project management practices, and adoption of advanced technologies, such as BIM and Lean
Construction, in construction projects in Kuwait.
Delays, a lack of communication and coordination between stakeholders, poor planning and
control, and change in orders by the client have been noted as the main risks in the industry.
Yet, public construction organisations can also adopt project management approaches that
are ineffective and need improvement. In addition, there is a lack of awareness of Lean
Construction, while BIM has been improperly implemented in the industry. In short, the
construction industry in Kuwait needs to be developed and modernised to keep pace with
other developing countries in terms of its performance and productivity.
Therefore, this research will propose the development of a framework based on Lean
Construction principles and utilising Building Information Modelling to address the challenges
identified in the Kuwaiti construction industry and improve the industry’s performance and
effectiveness in terms of time, cost, and quality. The outcome of the study will help to build
knowledge for the implementation of BIM using the new International BIM Standard (ISO
19650) with principles of Lean Construction in the construction industry.
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