https://doi.org/10.24928/2019/0167

Metrics in VDC Projects

Matilde Reinholdt Belsvik¹, Ola Lædre² & Eilif Hjelseth³

¹M.Sc student, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, + 47 982 07 858, [email protected]
²Professor, dr.ing., NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, + 47 911 89 938, [email protected]
³Professor, PhD, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, +47 952 66 100, [email protected]

Abstract

The Norwegian construction industry is far behind other industries when it comes to productivity. To improve productivity several contractors take advantage of methodologies such as Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). VDC is about streamlining projects in a Lean context with tools like Last Planner, ICE, BIM and metrics. Although few studies have been found on metrics in VDC projects, it appears evident that metrics are important for continuous improvement. However, selecting adequate metrics is challenging, as they can require more than they give in return. The study answers three research questions; (1) “How are building design processes measured?” (2) “Which main design phase challenges can be resolved with metrics?” and (3) “Which metrics should be used in future VDC projects?” The methods used have been a qualitative case study of a Norwegian contractor’s first implementation of VDC, as well as personal interviews with experienced design managers. The implication of the study is a list with six basic metrics for the building design processes of VDC projects, based on challenges in Norwegian construction projects. Seven additional metrics for continuous project improvement are also presented.

Keywords

VDC, Metrics, Design management, Continuous improvement, Lean construction

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Reference

Belsvik, M. R. , Lædre, O. & Hjelseth, E. 2019. Metrics in VDC Projects, Proc. 27th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) , 1129-1140. doi.org/10.24928/2019/0167

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