Improving Sustainability of Work-zones by Implementing Lean Construction Techniques

Pavement construction, maintenance and rehabilitation have considerable impacts on environment, society, and economy. These impacts can be minimized by implementing lean construction strategies that focus on reducing wastes and improving performance, as well as increasing the overall value of the facility to the end users. The objective of this study is to identify the adverse effects of work-zones activities for pavement projects, and demonstrate how lean construction techniques can provide sustainable solutions. For example, 5S’s can help reducing the waste which is a cause of environmental degradation. The last planner technique can be used to prevent schedule delays and to accelerate the construction process, and assist in reducing the excess emissions due to unstable traffic around the work-zones and from heavy equipment. It can also minimize vehicle operating costs due to congestion and improve the mobility of work-zone. Increased visualization approaches such as speed advisories, delay advisories; regulatory speed limit changes merge control and alternate route guidance, can further enhance safety and mobility. Other impacts such as noise pollution; and reduced accessibility to businesses and emergency facilities can be minimized using phased scheduling which allows the selection of construction time and duration suitable for the surrounding community.