Quality Assurance and Quality Control of High-Rise Enclosure Design Using Lean Principles
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 25, Issue 1
Abstract
There is a recent trend in the construction industry to implement lean concepts. This management strategy is based on a production philosophy originating from the Toyota Production System (TPS) in the 1950s. After World War II, resources were extremely limited, which made it crucial for assembly processes to be as efficient as possible. This led to a focus on minimizing waste and conserving time and the use of physical products. Preassembly, therefore, became a critical phase of the assembly process. In the construction industry, engineers’ primary focus is on incorporating lean strategy for production in shop and field environments; however, opportunities exist to apply the philosophy of the lean concept during the development of design phases. This research proposes that a lean strategy is fully applicable to the design process and the preconstruction phase. A case study is built to illustrate the lean concepts’ applicability, involving the quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) methods of façade design and production. Architects, façade design teams, and consultants implement QAQC processes to ensure the final appearance and performance of the building’s façade meet not only aesthetic expectations but also overall performance criteria.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Larry Weldon, Patrick Loughran, and Frank Marz of Goettsch Partners, and Rui Ma from China Resources, for their input and comments on the research.
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: May 14, 2019
Accepted: Aug 12, 2019
Published online: Oct 29, 2019
Published in print: Feb 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Mar 29, 2020
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