22nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Oslo, Norway - 2014

Improving the Implementation of Modularization and Standardization of MEP Systems in Design

Ahlam Mohamad1, Fritz Gehbauer2 & Shervin Haghsheno3

1Ph.D. student, Institute for Technology and Management in Construction, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Am Fasanengarten Geb. 50.31, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany, Phone +49-721 608-44124, [email protected]
2Professor, Institute for Technology and Management in Construction, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Am Fasanengarten Geb. 50.31, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany, Phone +49- 721608-42168, [email protected]
3Professor, Institute for Technology and Management in Construction, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Am Fasanengarten Geb. 50.31, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany, Phone +49- 721608-42646, [email protected]

Abstract

Modularization and standardization of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) systems in design is a method to improve predictability and efficiency on the construction site. However, managing information is a challenge to achieve modularization and standardization in alignment with customer values. The aim of this paper is to describe the design development process when applying modularization and standardization, to analyze the workflow, and to identify critical processes to be managed. A process map when applying modularization and standardization of MEP systems is explained, highlighting the challenges that should affect the implementation during design process. Analyzing the design process shows that the challenges to be met through the implementation of the design methodology are 1) aligning the external variety of the building structure to modularized and standardized systems (internal variety), and 2) aligning modularization and standardization to customer values. We propose analyzing work structuring principles to improve the implementation of modularization and standardization. We hypothesize that involving the end customer and construction teams and managing their knowledge will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of modularization and standardization in MEP systems' design beyond the current implementation. The Paper presents a theoretical model that is the basis for further research.

Keywords

MEP systems, modularization, standardization, work structuring, customer value.

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Reference

Mohamad, A. , Gehbauer, F. & Haghsheno, S. 2014. Improving the Implementation of Modularization and Standardization of MEP Systems in Design, 22nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 509-518. doi.org/

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