APPLICATION OF LEAN CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES AND SIMULATION FOR PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT OF EARTHWORK ACTIVITIES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ON OFFSHORE ISLANDS

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to apply Lean Construction (LC) principles combined with a discrete event simulation tool, namely EZStrobe, to improve the performance of earthworks in construction projects on offshore islands. Based on the observation of the real-world construction process and the collection of data on each activity, a simulation model of the digging and hauling operations of coral sand is established and validated. The analysis results of the real model indicate problems of resource shortage as well as congestion in the construction process that caused delays and poor productivity. Subsequently, the three LC principles are applied to the simulation model to enhance the construction process. The analysis results from the Lean model, when are compared with the real model, show that the waiting time of construction equipment is reduced by 70.2%, the cycle and total construction time are reduced by 34.2% and 33.9%, respectively. As a result, productivity is significantly enhanced with an increase of 51.3% and a savings of 16.8% in cost. LC principles, when combined with the simulation tool, have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing waste and improving construction processes. This approach helps managers effectively manage their plans and make informed decisions to enhance construction productivity.