Exploring the BIM and lean synergies in the Istanbul Grand Airport construction project

Koseoglu, O; Sakin, M and Arayici, Y (2018) Exploring the BIM and lean synergies in the Istanbul Grand Airport construction project. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 25(10), pp. 1339-1354. ISSN 0969-9988

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a solid understanding of how integrated building information modeling (BIM) is implemented in a mega project such as the (Istanbul Grand Airport IGA) construction project, which is the main case study in the research methodology. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines and identifies the lean efficiency gains achieved in the IGA project and highlights the synergies between BIM and lean concepts based on the facts and figures from the case study analysis. In complex projects, there is a vital need for a comprehensive approach that would enable successful managing of design and construction information via accurate modeling, collaboration and integration throughout the project lifecycles covering various disciplines. Findings: The research findings in the paper make a significant impact in understanding the strategic perception for BIM as a new way of working methodology for the construction industry in Turkey, since the IGA project has become not only a key learning hub for the Turkish construction industry, but also a global landmark for digital construction and project delivery. In addition it proves the mutual synergies between BIM and lean practices. Originality/value: The IGA project is a mega-scale airport construction project with features beyond building industry challenges, and it should be designed and constructed with tight deadlines and budgets and be operated afterwards in an effective and efficient way. Can lean and BIM help for timely and on-budget completion of the project and could they support the management of the airport facility after handover? The paper also discusses the lean and BIM implementation in the project in relation to the BIM Level 3 requirements.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: building information modelling; case study; engineering; project management; scheduling; strategic management
Index terms: scheduling, Istanbul, methodology, integration, strategic management, collaboration, construction project, project lifecycle, digital construction, case study, Turkey, efficiency, building information modelling, project delivery, synergy, project management, construction industry, modelling, implementation, complex project, airport construction, design and construction, research methodology, building industry
Subjects: data collection methods, project completion, research design and methodology, contractual arrangements, strategic project management, analytical methods, project delivery, operations research, production management, Geography, infrastructure engineering, project management theory and practice, management, research methods, performance management, industry analysis, information systems, organizational analysis, partnership management
Topics: Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Digital Applications, Quality Management, Organizational Design, Time Control
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTE

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here