Technological Interventions in the Control of Services in a Lean Environment

Lean construction concepts were used to improve concrete slab molding and mortar floor screeding operations. Detailed monitoring of site activities using handheld computers allowed the identification of cost reducing opportunities, both in relation to materials and labor. Floor screed was chosen as the first major building service to be improved, but soon concrete pouring followed suit according to the following steps: i) reduction of concrete slab height in the wet areas; ii) rendering of floor screed just after concrete pouring in an enlarged building cycle; iii) change from ready mix to on site concrete production; iv) increase in the number of formwork supporting props; v) leaving setting out marks on the floor screed to guide brickwork first course. Results are depicted using a comparative table showing general production indicators before and after processes were improved.