The Application Of Lean Thinking In Construction

Lean thinking has a dramatic impact on construction industry in the last 16 years. Lean construction is a multidisciplinary research area between lean thinking and construction industry. Since there is not sufficient study of this subject in China, the purpose of this study is to seek for the proper ways of the application of lean construction theory and method in China.The current situation of Chinese construction and existing problems in construction project management are introduced firstly, this paper propose that application of lean thinking in construction industry can resolve the problems. Secondly analyzes in detail on lean thinking and its application in manufacturing industry, and the origin and five principles of lean thinking specific described. Thirdly, puts forward the conception and constitution of lean construction theory, discuss the features about lean construction theory from five aspects, for instance, management of customer requirement, change the design patterns, reduce variation and improve performance, management of standardization, and performance evaluation of the project, points out the advantage of lean construction theory. Finally, implementation of lean construction theory is analyzed, not just the executive obstacles of lean construction in China, but also the prerequisites of lean construction are indicated, the method of lean construction is proved effective by discuss types and sources of waste in construction according to investigation of two projects and one conference.Research innovations: (1) Lean construction theory and theoretical framework are studied in this paper, illustrates the features about lean construction theory from five aspects. (2)Build method of lean construction, the validity of theory and method of lean construction to solve problems in construction and project management is proved by investigation of types and sources of waste in construction.The research contributes to reduce the waste and non value activities, lower the uncertainty, shorten the period, improve quality, reduce the cost and improve customer satisfaction in construction, enhances management ability and competitiveness in construction industry which has some theoretical significance and application value.