Applying Lean Techniques in Delivery of Transportation Infrastructure Projects

Awad S. Hanna1, Michael Wodalski2 & Gary Whited3

1Professor and Chair, Construction Engineering and Management Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2320 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, [email protected]
2MS Candidate, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2256 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, [email protected]
3Program Manager, Construction and Materials Support Center, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2314 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, [email protected]

Abstract

The use of Lean techniques for the delivery of large complex capital projects is quickly growing throughout the country. Lean techniques allow for project delivery in less time, at lower costs, and with improved quality. However, Lean techniques are currently not being used by State Highway Agencies (SHA). Lean project delivery can be the new way for future projects to achieve these higher quality, quicker, and more efficient projects. To attain this, the transportation industry, as a whole, needs to work closely together using non-traditional approaches to achieve the necessary improvement. To reach this goal, this project looks at the benefits of Lean techniques in the delivery of transportation projects, along with potential impediments to adoption. The transportation industry provides a unique challenge in implementing Lean techniques by being in the public sector. Due to this fact, special care is needed in identifying any impediments to implementation when going forth with Lean. Once promising techniques and impediments are properly identified, a successful management plan can be created to help SHA‘s begin their Lean journey.

Keywords

Lean Construction, Lean techniques, Transportation, Project delivery

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Reference

Hanna, A. S. , Wodalski, M. & Whited, G. 2010. Applying Lean Techniques in Delivery of Transportation Infrastructure Projects, 18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 609-619. doi.org/

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