Assessment of waste reduction in lean construction of building projects through buffer management using a computer simulation approach

Construction projects are characterized by complexity and variability, which significantly impact planning efficiency, cost control, and overall performance. Buffer management is a recognized approach for mitigating variability; however, it is often misinterpreted as contradictory to lean construction principles. This study investigates the impact of buffer management on waste reduction in construction projects by employing a mixed-method approach. A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify key causes of variability, followed by semi-structured interviews to quantify variability levels. Based on these findings, a simulation model was developed to analyze the selection of optimum capacity buffers and their effect on project performance and waste reduction. The results demonstrate that integrating buffer management with an analysis of variability causes enhances project performance and minimizes waste. Simulation outcomes highlight that accurate planning and application of buffers, grounded in variability analysis, optimize efficiency and support lean construction objectives. This research provides a scientific foundation for embedding buffer management within lean construction frameworks, encouraging its adoption as a strategic tool for achieving sustainable and efficient project delivery.