To Örebro University

The development of productivity in the construction industry has long been at a steady state compared to the manufacturing industry. Studies have shown that, amongst other things, waste on construction sites can reach up to one third of the total production cost. This has been observed from different aspects, and change is forthcoming.

This thesis aims to provide a foundation for an increased productivity at production sites of building bridges. It is primarily based on a field study at Skanska, at a bridge construction site near Grängesberg. Via continuous interviews with the whole production crew, construction workers and management, information on interference and possibilities of improvement at the work site has been documented. Moreover, Lean has been studied and attention has been brought to simple methods and approaches that can contribute to an increase of productivity. The purpose of this thesis was to inform Skanska and its team of recurring disruptions and improvement prospects, and to suggest simple methods so that future projects can be run more profitably.

During the field study approximately ten disruptions have been documented, which directly interfered with the production. Most of these were due to different forms of communication failures. Late deliveries and reinforcement problems were the most common disorders. Furthermore, we have found room for improvement within the visual management, where resources and technology are available, but are not utilized to its fullest potential. In conclusion we analyzed and gave suggestions of simple methods for improvement using Lean as support, were tools like Five Why’s and SMART goals were used.