Leonardo Rischmoller | Stanford University (original) (raw)

Papers by Leonardo Rischmoller

Building a high performing building requires project teams to integrate their knowledge, their or... more Building a high performing building requires project teams to integrate their knowledge, their organization and their information, leveraging metrics, models (energy, BIM, cost and schedule), co-location and collaboration, and production management. This model, the “Simple Framework for Integrating Project Delivery” was validated in action on the UCSF Mission Bay Hospitals project. The senior project leaders created an integrated community that employed Lean and Virtual Design and Construction methods to create solutions in the best interest of the project.

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Proc. 26th Annual Conference of the International. Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), 2018

This theory paper probes the intersections of Lean, Mass Production and conventional Construction... more This theory paper probes the intersections of Lean, Mass Production and conventional Construction, Lean Construction, the Simple Framework for Integrating Project Delivery model, and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). The authors argue that Toyota recognized that integration was necessary to achieve the goal of global optimization in design and production and that this imperative confronts Lean Construction today. They briefly describe the Simple Framework for Integrating Project Delivery as a system model to achieve the high level of integration required to deliver a valuable, high-performing building. Then they focus on how VDC fits within and enables the Simple Framework model, explaining each element of VDC and how project teams can leverage it to consistently deliver high-performing buildings.

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This paper presents a framework of an ad-hoc data analytic and Business Intelligence service tail... more This paper presents a framework of an ad-hoc data analytic and Business Intelligence service tailored to a construction project. Mandates of delivering integrated information solutions and effective reporting are commonly required nowadays in large capital projects. Due to the nature of construction projects with schedule and budget constraints, poorly defined business problems prohibited the team to deploy full scale data analytic and Business Intelligence (BI) services on site. On the other hand, the increasingly complex data coming from multiple applications and organizations on projects requires more powerful data integration tools and techniques. The proposed framework outlines an agile and ad hoc best practice for job site data analytics and effective reporting based on a real use case from a large pharmaceutical project. Processes in the framework include data alignment, Level of Detail (LoD) data articulation and analytical model establishment. It also illustrates how to resolve complex data analytic challenges for unforeseen cost disputes and how to deliver solutions within a short period of time.

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LC3 2017 Volume II - Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), Walsh, K., Sack, R., Brilakis, I. (eds.), Heraklion, Greece, pp. 397–404, 2017

Integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) to on-site meetings in the construction phase ha... more Integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) to on-site meetings in the construction phase has been a challenge to general contractors mainly due to the inflexibility of the current practice in grouping and organizing models to facilitate rapid, on-the-spot model queries. We have developed an automation tool that supports the automatic grouping of models according to a certain model breakdown structure (MBS), which reflects a breakdown structure of a project. This enables a model navigator to identify the relevant model contents on the fly in a meeting thus drastically reducing the coordination latency in resolving an issue. This paper introduces two case studies to explain a non-intrusive process of introducing federated models produced by the automation tool to the meetings. The results of surveys to the meeting participants prove that the non-intrusive process as well as the models reflecting multiple MBS's changed the meeting participants' behavior and enhanced their coordination, communication, and collaboration, thus improving the overall outcomes of the meetings.

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Breaking down project information via different breakdown structures has been a successful way of... more Breaking down project information via different breakdown structures has been a successful way of managing and controlling construction projects with levels of efficiency and effectiveness otherwise unimaginable to achieve over the past decades. However, the current practice of grouping and organizing building information models from multiple project participants does not reflect such breakdown structures well. This gap renders it a challenge to introducing Building Information Modelling (BIM) to on-site meetings in the construction phase, such as daily subcontractor huddle and pull planning meetings, in which on-the-spot-requests to query federated models are prevalent. This paper introduces the underlying concepts of a method that allows automatic grouping of models so that the model breakdown structure (MBS) matches a certain breakdown structure within a project. An automation tool has been developed accordingly and tested in two case studies, which prove that the proposed method enables project participants without extensive trainings of BIM the rapid identification of the desired model contents.

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Based in recent PhD’s research results carried out at Catholic University of Chile this paper dis... more Based in recent PhD’s research results carried out at Catholic University of Chile this paper discusses how the impact of Information Technology (IT) Computer Advanced Visualization Tools (CAVT) to the design and construction processes can be studied using Lean Principles as a theoretical framework.
To understand and describe the design and construction processes, the theoretical foundation of the research considered construction as a special kind of production, and explored the relationship between design and production theory principles, and the prevalent (transformation) and new production models (flow and value) were combined in a simplified generic model of the design process. This provided important basis to understand the forces of change that IT offers to the construction industry, describing the impact of CAVT and attaining a synergistic effect between IT and Lean Principles in which this approaches do not deal separately with variability, uncertainty and complexity anymore, but converge in a new approach that shall provide important benefits to the construction industry. The research combined empirical evidence with lean theoretical background and developed a quantitative framework based in Freire and Alarcon (2000) and a qualitative framework adapted from Koskela (2000) to analyze the impact of IT CAVT, both frameworks are presented in this paper.

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Proceedings of the 24th W78 Conference, Jun 26, 2007

The paper will discuss how the forces and opportunities of change strongly related to the evoluti... more The paper will discuss how the forces and opportunities of change strongly related to the evolution of computer model-based design and construction are not only driving progress in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) through a transition process but promise to advance the state of the profession through the emergence of completely new paradigms. Computer model-based design and construction will not only deal with the utilization of new tools to improve existing work processes, but with the emergence of completely new ways of doing things which will have to be designed, invented or discovered.
The paper introduces the Digital Reality, The Digital Built Environment and The Digital World concepts and summarizes how we make and use the built, natural and digital environments and how they interrelate. The paper also envisions actions that shall promote the extension of current research contributions by strengthening the overlap of re-search and teaching with computer, social and management sciences in order to address the scientific, engineering, economic, social and political aspects about how we design, build and operate the built, natural and digital environments and how to make their intelligent and sustainable use possible in an integrated comprehensive way.

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Proceedings of the Construction Information Technology CIB W78 International Conference – IT in Construction in Africa

This paper discusses the observation-participation method (Yin, 1994) as a way to ground construc... more This paper discusses the observation-participation method (Yin, 1994) as a way to ground construction IT research in industry practice. This research methodology considers the industry as a point of departure, followed by examination of a case study using the observation-participation method (Yin, 1994). In this methodology, the researcher is not merely a passive observer, but assumes a variety of roles within the case study and participates in the studied activities. The observation-participation method application to the case study offers the opportunity to see what others have not yet seen (Stake, 1998) and allows gaining access to events and groups, which, in other ways, are inaccessible to scientific research. The researcher perceives reality from the point of view of someone “in” the case study instead of someone
“external” to it.
The research goal was to test 4D Planning and Scheduling (4D-PS) to demonstrate its benefits as a CAVT (Computer Advanced Visualization Tool) applied to the case study. The objective was to find out how 4D model reviews can help generate more constructable projects by assisting construction planners in optimizing construction sequences, identifying and resolving schedule conflicts and providing feedback from construction teams to design teams. To get tangible results, 4D-PS needed to be researched in a real life context. Hence, the observation-participation method was the most suitable research methodology to accomplish this task. This paper presents our experience with the observation-participation approach on a large construction project. It details some of the organizational and business challenges of creating synergies between a business and a research focus.

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This paper describes the methodology and results obtained after productivity improvement work con... more This paper describes the methodology and results obtained after productivity improvement work conducted on two consecutive building construction jobs. The first one was used to evaluate production rates and productivity, current construction methods, potentials and lacks of construction equipment, current construction planning methodology, and existing tools to asses productivity. These are briefly discussed in this paper. The second job was preplanned based on the experience and detailed documentation obtained in the first one. Work was conducted in order to “design” construction methods in detail, develop a detailed production planning based on the construction methods developed, select crew components and select their specific tasks, and design communication and control tools. Although the second job’s schedule and budget were originally calculated using standard methods (i.e. historical production rates), new schedule and budget were calculated based on the preplanning effort. Construction performance was measured against these values.

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This paper explores the potential of computer automation and visualization tools for engineering ... more This paper explores the potential of computer automation and visualization tools for engineering models, and demonstrates an opportunity to improve Information Technology (IT) support for integration in the construction industry. The paper has two main parts. The first part discusses the current state of the art of information exchange in the construction industry, which is considered the driver for integration. The evolution of project modeling, types of integration and integration mechanisms are also discussed. The second part presents a practical application as it is currently applied to a real project, where automation tools and methods are being used to construct a full scale CAD model of a facility. Specialized software is being used to visualize the model, and to coordinate design development among disciplines and with the client. The utility of an “intelligent” 3D CAD model is enhanced by the development of a “Construction Simulation”, which is a key integration element that leverages the use of the 3D model for construction. The paper describes IT support for integration in the construction industry, a topic currently being explored by Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile and Bechtel Corporation. The research methodology presents both a conceptual framework for understanding IT impacts to integration, as well as practical experience developed as a case study of an active Bechtel project.

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nD Modelling Roadmap - A Vision for nD-Enabled Construction

The use of Information Technology offers the potential for revolutionary change in the effectiven... more The use of Information Technology offers the potential for revolutionary change in the effectiveness with which construction-related activities are executed and the value they add to construction industry stakeholders. Several attempts to take advantage of Information Technology in the construction industry are currently being carried out around the world, either at academic or practitioner levels. This paper introduces the concept of MODELLING AND VISUALIZATION OF INFORMATION AND
KNOWLEDGE as a tentative point of departure aiming to bring near and act as a collaborative framework for different research efforts and organizations that currently deal separately with modelling and visualization issues in the construction industry, and contribute in this way to accelerate the transfer and adoption of research results to the construction industry practice.

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Proceedings of the CIB W78 Conference 2002, Jun 12, 2002

A leading, international, engineering and construction company has carried out efforts to engage ... more A leading, international, engineering and construction company has carried out efforts to engage a new tool set and work process. Four-Dimensional Planning and Scheduling (4D-PS) is the new work process that aims toward better, more efficient planning and execution of large construction projects. This paper describes the case history and forecasts how this revitalized technique may ultimately impact the
construction industry. Despite academic and practitioners’ research and
development efforts to leverage from Information Technology (IT) in construction, the industry at large, being generally conservative, has adhered to the values of predictability and existing methods to minimize risk. 4D technology has struggled to find its way into mainstream construction practice for several years, and just
recently it has been shown that commercially available software and hardware can be applied effectively toward this end, greatly reducing investment risk. These relatively new tools promise new impetus to the use of 4D-PS in the construction industry. This paper describes how 4D-PS was applied on a major construction project, giving rise to a new work process that proved to be productive and cost effective. Emphasis is made on the fact that those expected to use such technology
must have the necessary training and, conversely, near-future versions of computerized tools can be made more intuitive for more widespread use. The use of such techniques will necessarily draw engineering/design and construction entities closer together, essentially improving coordination among them.

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Buffers are often used in Construction to prevent the negative impact of Variability and Uncertai... more Buffers are often used in Construction to prevent the negative impact of Variability and Uncertainty on projects. Inventories of materials, budget contingencies, time float, and excess of equipment capacity are examples of the type of Buffers found in construction. However, usually the design and management of Buffers is based mostly on intuition and performed informally. New production philosophies such as Lean Production, Lean Construction and Theory of Constraints allow a more systematic and rigorous approach to the Design and Management of Buffers. This paper discusses the role of production management philosophies in the Design and Management of Buffers, and how selected IT tools can support this process. The paper also provides some guidelines for the design of Buffers in repetitive construction projects using a proposed conceptual model.

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This paper presents some results of the application of research thinking within an industrial pr... more This paper presents some results of the application of research thinking within
an industrial project environment. During the last five years the impact of Computer
Advanced Visualization Tools (CAVT) in the design and construction process of industrial
projects was studied as part of a research carried out by the Universidad Católica de Chile and
Bechtel Chile Ltda. A Ph.D. researcher working within Bechtel developed methods and
procedures to conduct 4D Planning and Scheduling (4D-PS). His work included pioneering
the first 4D application on a large project that rendered significant and demonstrable savings
in man-hours and materials, showing that 4D technology is viable and cost-effective. Benefits
of applying CAVT to the design process, new conceptualization of the design process, review
of the constructability concept and guidelines to manage organizational change due to IT
impact are examples of the research results that will be presented and discussed in this paper.

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Revista de la Construccion. Volumen 11 No 3 - 2012

Practitioners and construction management researchers lack believable and practical methods to as... more Practitioners and construction management researchers lack believable and practical methods to assess the value proposition of emerging methods such as Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) including understanding how different levels of implementation affect its benefits. Furthermore, current methods of understanding VDC implementation and benefits cannot be updated easily to incorporate new data. This paper presents a Bayesian framework to predict benefits from application of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) given data about its implementation. We analyzed data from 40 projects that performed some formal modeling of the project scope and/or the construction process. The analysis suggests that more extensive or higher levels of VDC implementation lead to higher project benefits. We explain the use of a Bayesian framework as an alternative to the application of classical probability theory to construction management research, how we used it to interpret data about VDC practice and outcomes, our finding that benefits have strong positive contingent correlation with the level of VDC implemented on projects, and our suggestion to use the method to update conclusions about benefits given changing data about implementation and outcomes.

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Proceedings of the 22nd CIB-W78 Conference Information Technology in Construction, Jun 10, 2005

This paper describes a system that combines a 2D digital board that shows dynamically in rows and... more This paper describes a system that combines a 2D digital board that shows dynamically in rows and columns arranged in a special layout, starting and finishing dates of subcontractors work linked to the fourth dimension, time, coming from construction schedules. The system is the result of a research project whose objective is to improve planning, scheduling, and controlling the work of subcontractors of finishings in building projects. The system will be tested on case studies projects for planning, scheduling and controlling the work of subcontractors. It is expected that the systems will act as a powerful real time Visualization, Planning, Analysis and Communication Tool in the case studies. Despite the 3D case studies models were very useful for constructability and other purposes, the traditional 4D approach that combines 3D + time was not very useful when dealing with construction works that remained mainly “hidden” within the project 3D model. Applied to the case studies, the digital board shall provide different ways to display, communicate and understand information about resources, costs, dates and relationships coming from a traditional CPM network using 4D in a new 2D + time conceptualization.

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Journal of Management in Engineering, 2006

This paper presents research results that describe how value generation can be improved in the de... more This paper presents research results that describe how value generation can be improved in the design process of industrial projects when using computer advanced visualization tools CAVT. The CAVT concept definition, prior studies about impacts of CAVT, and why they are not sufficient are presented in the paper, supporting the assertion that the extensive attention to technology instead of to the context of technology application and the lack of a conceptual framework has prevented some prior research about CAVT impacts to truly focus in ideas about how to improve engineering and construction processes. Combining production theory and lean construction principles with information technology IT, a framework for understanding the impacts of CAVT developed as part of the research is proposed. Illustration of the use of the framework in a case study and research validation activities leads to analytic generalization of the research results.

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Revista Ingenieria de Construccion

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Books by Leonardo Rischmoller

Opportunities offered by the explosion of Information Technology (IT) tools are not being adequat... more Opportunities offered by the explosion of Information Technology (IT) tools are not being adequately used to solve productivity, schedule, cost and quality problems faced by the design and construction of industrial projects.
The Computer Advanced Visualization Tools (CAVT) concept defined as “the collection of all the necessary tools, which allow for the visual representation of the ends and the means of AEC/EPC needed to accomplish an AEC/EPC design and construction project” was developed and its impact in the design process of industrial projects was described as an answer to the stated problem.
The research was carried out using the observation-participation method in which the industry became a laboratory that offered the opportunity to have access to events and groups that are not commonly accessible to scientific research.
The design process was studied considering the state of the art about production principles applied to the construction industry through the Lean Construction approach. This allowed the ability to model, analyze, understand and describe the design process, providing and adequate framework to study the impact of CAVT which is presented mainly considering activities that add value to the design process.
The research led to discover change patterns and trends in the design process of industrial projects that can lead to obtain benefits in terms of cost and schedule reduction, and productivity, quality and safety increase in construction industry projects.

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Proc. 26th Annual Conference of the International. Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), 2018

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Proceedings of the 24th W78 Conference, Jun 26, 2007

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Proceedings of the Construction Information Technology CIB W78 International Conference – IT in Construction in Africa

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nD Modelling Roadmap - A Vision for nD-Enabled Construction

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Proceedings of the CIB W78 Conference 2002, Jun 12, 2002

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Revista de la Construccion. Volumen 11 No 3 - 2012

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Proceedings of the 22nd CIB-W78 Conference Information Technology in Construction, Jun 10, 2005

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Journal of Management in Engineering, 2006

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Revista Ingenieria de Construccion

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Traditional construction scheduling approaches have proved not to have the capacity to produce an... more Traditional construction scheduling approaches have proved not to have the capacity to produce and make it easily and timely available the information needed for a latter effective and efficient construction control and execution reflected in a high Percentage of Planned Activities Completed. nD poses barriers and opportunities associated to big transformations which for example could lead to relegate traditional construction scheduling approaches like the CPM in which the critical path has become a bottleneck, a constraint of a project. The big change of working with a nD construction schedule can lead to lose less time on the critical path itself but exploiting this constraint and subordinating everything else to it. Most problems that impact the critical path do not occur on the critical path itself, then subordination is not a nicety, it is a must (Goldratt, 1997). Another big change is that using nD Modeling it is possible to alter the order in which the different level of detail schedules are developed for a construction project. Using nD and CAVT it is possible to develop first the more detailed schedule and then obtaining the master schedule grouping activities in this more detailed schedule. The master schedule can then be adjusted to project requirements and the detailed schedule reviewed in an iteratively process. This opposes to the way scheduling is carried out today in which the detailed schedule follows the master schedule development effort and rarely one goes back to review the master schedule deeply, but makes the maximum effort to adjust the detailed schedule to the master schedule. And finally a very important change is that Visualization, Planning, Analysis and Communication capabilities embedded in a new nD construction scheduling development process can improve the traditional scheduling process to the extent that this schedule could finally be used as a real production control mechanism that could lead to tackle problems proactively and re-schedule the project as necessary.

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