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There is currently much pressure for construction companies to streamline lengthy and expensive practices. The answers often cited are frequently classified as 'lean' approaches. For the uninitiated, 'lean' practices may be broadly defined as a selection of proven tools and techniques which help companies identify and eliminate waste in the services that they provide to customers. Hence, these practices generate continuous improvement and a competitive edge. Of course, there is nothing new in this as the Egan report championed the efficiency savings made possible by leading edge practices.
Importance of efficiency
Stent Foundations, the specialist ground engineering subsidiary of Balfour Beatty, has adopted 'lean' techniques and applied these to the new Wembley National Stadium. Stent Foundations won the piled foundations contract for the development. Compared with such projects as the Channel Tunnel, with which Stent was also involved, the piling at Wembley Stadium was not technically difficult, yet it presented its own unique challenges. With over 5000 piles to drive, this £12m project has been undertaken under the glare of public scrutiny. Deadlines have been tight, space has been limited and the project has been affected by the environmental restrictions relating to built-up areas. It was critical for Stent to find the most efficient way possible to complete its part of the work.
Stent aim to achieve a balance between efficiency, quality and safety. The latter two aspects are at risk if the company solely concentrates on programme, but too much focus on quality and safety has a detrimental effect on efficiency. The company reconsidered all activities affecting the critical path to establish which working methods could be adopted to streamline efficiency.
Awareness of tools and techniques which can, theoretically, improve efficiency is important. However, it is equally necessary to apply that knowledge, which is where the consultancy partnership between Stent and Pera brought major benefits. Pera has operated in the manufacturing sector for more than 30 years, applying best practice thinking and management to industry. In terms of eliminating waste, Stent and Pera demonstrated that construction is no different to any other industry.
Pile lengths
The project involved more than 100 pile types with varying lengths and diameters. Piles ranged in diameter from...