Using Value-Stream Mapping to Enhance the Production Performance in Infrastructure Construction Projects in Qatar: A Case Study

Abstract

Current research on sustainable construction has primarily concentrated on the design and operation phases of projects. However, the enhancement of execution and production phases of infrastructure construction projects have received little attention. In this paper, Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is used, as a Lean production tool, to evaluate production operational waste during the project construction phase. VSM considers the development of process maps that support project managers in diagnosing the current state of production in order to propose future improvements. VSM addresses the underlying causes of issues, as opposed to the symptoms addressed by traditional tools. This paper presents a case study of the application of VSM in the construction of infrastructure projects to improve the manhole and high-density polyethylene pipe connection process. This study's primary contribution is to provide a comprehensive account of the application of VSM in the infrastructure construction industry, confirming its ability to identify the sources of production waste, quantify them, suggest reduction strategies, and develop a TAKT planning. The case study's result demonstrates an effective approach to enhance the performance of construction projects targeting to optimize the resources used and reduce costs, improve quality standards, mitigate the associated wastes and enhance the TAKT time concept in construction of deep utilities in infrastructure construction project.