Integrating lean construction, BIM and quality: a new paradigm for the improvement of Chinese construction quality

Construction quality in China has often featured as an area requiring improvement. The question is, how could this be improved? One approach is to look at integrating lean construction ideas and BIM and to address their interactions. To date, no research has been conducted to comprehensively research the interactions of lean construction and BIM on improving construction quality. The aim of this research was to investigate the feasibility of integrating lean construction and BIM on construction quality improvement in China and to develop a quality-based lean construction and BIM interaction framework during the construction phase. Five objectives were achieved by using a mixed method approach, comprising literature review, case studies, survey and framework development. The case studies were conducted with large, well-known, construction companies in China and the interviews were conducted with Chinese construction professionals. Analysis of the findings resulted in the development of a two-level framework. The key findings of this research reveal that lean construction could improve Chinese construction quality through 14 approaches and 14 BIM approaches could be used to improve Chinese Construction quality. Additionally, 4 general relationships between lean construction and BIM on their integration application to improve Chinese construction quality are presented in this research. Furthermore, a quality-based lean construction and BIM interaction framework is proposed to illustrate a new paradigm that provides an enriched understanding of how to use these interactions. The results contribute to the knowledge on construction quality, lean construction and BIM. The research findings also have practical implications for contractors working in China. The contractors could understand the practical issue when they practice lean construction and BIM on construction quality improvement. This research result could also be used as a guide book to provide a holistic view of integrated application between lean construction and BIM, and it provides a direction for the software developer to develop software and solve logical issues in software development.