INTEGRATING LEAN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) FOR WASTE MINIMIZATION AND VALUE OPTIMIZATION IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the level of awareness, experience, and integration of Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM) practices among construction professionals in Nigeria, with a focus on identifying prevailing barriers and perceived benefits. Using a dataset of forty-three (43) respondents drawn from engineers, architects, builders, and quantity surveyors, the research applied descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to evaluate adoption patterns and critical challenges. The findings reveal a high awareness of BIM moderate experience with Lean Construction and low Lean - BIM integration. Engineers and architects demonstrated the highest adoption levels (RII = 0.893 and 0.84, respectively), while builders and quantity surveyors exhibited limited engagement. Major barriers to implementation include limited technical knowledge and training (RII = 0.86), high software costs (RII = 0.83), organizational resistance to change (RII = 0.81), and lack of enabling government policies (RII = 0.78). Despite these challenges, respondents who implemented either Lean or BIM reported significant project improvements, including up to 18% reduction in material waste, improved coordination, shorter delivery time, and enhanced stakeholder communication. The study concludes that while awareness of Lean - BIM concepts is strong, full integration remains hindered by institutional, financial, and capacity-related factors. It recommends structured training programs, policy frameworks, and collaborative project delivery models to foster widespread adoption.