https://doi.org/10.24928/2023/0195

Implementation of Lean Thinking to Improve Masonry Construction and Design

Samaneh Momenifar¹, Karl Keyrouz² & Farook Hamzeh³

¹MSc Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, U of A, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9491-8044
²MSc Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, U of A, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7704-5109
³Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, U of A, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3986-9534

Abstract

Masonry construction provides multiple functions with a single element, is cost-effective, durable, and provides a visually appealing finish. In addition, its flexibility in design and reasonable construction cost makes it more attractive. Specifically, characteristics of loadbearing masonry make it a viable choice for residential buildings, hence a viable solution to address housing demands. However, evidence shows this type of building is less desired nowadays due to its reputation as having traditional shapes and low productivity in the construction process. Lean thinking has been widely applied in the construction industry. However, lean applications in the masonry industry can be widened. In this research, site visits, consultations with industry professionals and stakeholders, and an extensive literature review have been conducted to understand existing problems of design and construction of load-bearing masonry systems in Canada. To address the discovered problems, several lean thinking solutions are proposed with the focus on consideration of complex wall configurations and providing early feedback in the conceptual design stage of masonry buildings. Development of one-piece flow for mortar transportation and generative design tools are two of proposed solutions. Development of intelligent BIM and construction simulation models are presented as future research ideas to validate the proposed lean solutions.

Keywords

Masonry, generative design, simulation, lean thinking.

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Reference

Momenifar, S. , Keyrouz, K. & Hamzeh, F. 2023. Implementation of Lean Thinking to Improve Masonry Construction and Design, Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC31) , 1534-1545. doi.org/10.24928/2023/0195

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