24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Boston, Massachusetts, USA - 2016

Understanding Inspection Challenges in the EPC Industry: A Simulation Approach

Thais da C. L. Alves1, Kim L. Needy2, Kenneth D. Walsh3 & Deborah Chan4

1 Associate Professor, J. R. Filanc Construction Eng. and Mgmt. Program, Dept. of Civil, Constr., and Env. Eng., San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA, [email protected]
2Dean, Graduate School and International Education, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA, [email protected]
3Dean, San Diego State University, Tblisi, Georgia, [email protected]
4Undergraduate Student, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil, [email protected]

Abstract

How can the inspection task and its challenges be mimicked in a simulation? The purpose of the research was to use a simulation to highlight challenges and trade-offs faced by inspectors in the Engineering Procure Construct (EPC) industry. A literature review was conducted and results were shared and discussed with a group of subject matter experts (SMEs) who are part of Construction Industry Institute Research Team 308. A simulation was identified and modified to address important concepts related to the inspection process in the EPC industry. The simulation is more generic in nature to allow a broad-based audience to use it. Versions of the simulation were tested with students in a classroom setting and SMEs, their feedback was collected, and a final version of the simulation defined. Participants found the discussion about variables considered to be useful and the simulation to be a good representation of what happens in practice. Lean researchers often view inspection as a contributory or wasteful activity. However, inspection should be designed and managed like any other activity.

Keywords

Inspection, Simulation, Nonconformances

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Reference

Alves, T. C. L. , Needy, K. L. , Walsh, K. D. & Chan, D. 2016. Understanding Inspection Challenges in the EPC Industry: A Simulation Approach, 24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

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Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

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