Value engineering is a successful technique that has been tested in many countries and reduces the cost of the construction projects Value Engineering is a creative, organized effort, which analyzes the requirements of a project for the purpose of achieving the essential functions at the lowest total costs over the life of the project. Through a group investigation, using experienced, multidisciplinary teams, value and economy are improved through the study of alternate design concepts, materials, and methods without compromising the functional and value objectives of the client. Value engineering is the process of relating the functions, the quality and the costs of the project in the determination of optimum solutions for the project. A cost-effective solution is achieved by an application of VE principle for different components of the structures relating its quality and quantity. This study mainly focuses on new techniques, methods and materials that can be adopted in construction industry, in which, its cost, quality, process time and feasibility are considered. Value Engineering focuses on accomplishing the required functions at the lowest overall cost. It helps in eliminating or minimizing wastage of material, time, and unnecessary cost, which improves value to the customer.

The Job Plan

Figures - uploaded by Nitin Rane

Author content

All figure content in this area was uploaded by Nitin Rane

Content may be subject to copyright.

ResearchGate Logo

Discover the world's research

  • 20+ million members
  • 135+ million publications
  • 700k+ research projects

Join for free

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1409]

IJESRT

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES & RESEARCH

TECHNOLOGY

APPLICATION OF VALUE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES IN CONSTRUCTION

PROJECTS

Prof. Nitin L. Rane *

* ME Scholar, S.S.G.B. C.O.E. & T. Bhusawal, Maharashtra, India

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.58597 ABSTRACT

Value engineering is a successful technique that has been tested in many countries and reduces the cost of the

construction projects Value Engineering is a creative, organized effort, which analyzes the requirements of a project

for the purpose of achieving the essential functions at the lowest total costs over the life of the project. Through a

group investigation, using experienced, multidisciplinary teams, value and economy are improved through the study

of alternate design concepts, materials, and methods without compromising the functional and value objectives of

the client. Value engineering is the process of relating the functions, the quality and the costs of the project in the

determination of optimum solutions for the project. A cost-effective solution is achieved by an application of VE

principle for different components of the structures relating its quality and quantity. This study mainly focuses on

new techniques, methods and materials that can be adopted in construction industry, in which, its cost, quality,

process time and feasibility are considered. Value Engineering focuses on accomplishing the required functions at

the lowest overall cost. It helps in eliminating or minimizing wastage of material, time, and unnecessary cost, which

improves value to the customer.

KEYWORDS: Value Engineering, Value Engineering Job Plan Techniques, Cost, Quality, Value Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

The engineers have always tried to reduce the cost of construction without affecting the quality and the functional

utility, however their approach was based mainly on the past experience. Keeping the costs low with traditional cost

management has been a commonly applied measure to improve competitiveness. However, keeping cost down alone

is not enough, there is an increasing need for improve in schedule as well as efficiency and effectiveness. Saving

money at the same time, providing better value is a concept that everyone emphasizes. Value Engineering is a

proven management technique that can make valuable contributions to value enhancement and cost reduction of the

construction industry. With the advancement of science and technology, it became comparatively easy to reduce the

construction cost, but the concept of functional utility was not given due consideration. Reliability and

durability were of little importance. Now a day's Enginee r s a nd Architects hav e sta rte d taking Into

cons id eratio n the se important facto r s i. e. re lia bility and durability wit h func tiona l util i t y to op t im is e th e cos t.

This subject has got emphasize in last few years whose object is to effect economy, in the cost of construction of

project. Value Engineering is an organized, creative and cost search technique for analyzing the function of any

product, service, or system with the purpose of achieving the required functions at the lowest overall cost consistent

with all the requirements that comprise its value, such as performance, quality, reliability and appearance. Value

Engineering uses the best combination of any proven tools and techniques in management process. Value

engineering is thus arguably of greater importance than cost management efforts. [1]

Both value engineering and cost reduction aim at reducing costs but there is a basic difference between these

techniques. Value Engineering is functional oriented where as Cost Reduction is production oriented. Value

Engineering aims at functional cost effectiveness by avoiding unnecessary costs; it involves multi discipline team

effort, and applies innovative and creative techniques to maximize value. On the other hand Cost Reduction aims at

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1410]

changing the method of production to reduce the production cost of an item, it involves usually an individual effort

and generally its emphasis is on analysis of the past practices and processes to reduce costs.[2]

LITERATURE REVIEW

Neetu B. Yadav, Rakesh Kacha, Neeraj D. Sharma & Hiren A. Rathod,(2013)[3], states that Application of Value

Engineering/Analysis is done by using Job Plan which is an organized and systematic approach. VA job plan is the

key of success for a value management exercise. It is through this plan that the already identified areas of value

study are subjected to in-depth application to seek new and creative alternatives. The Job plan required the

formation of a multidisciplinary team representing a cross section of technical field to conduct the program. A multi-

disciplinary approach generates more and better ideas, gives greater impact of decisions and costs on all services,

and develops better communication among the members of team. There are different job plan existing and are

selected as per suitability of the project and requirements. Five phase job plan also known as standard job plan is the

most suitable job plan of value engineering in Indian context.

Shichao Fan, Qiping Shen, Gongbo Lin,(2007)[4], defines value management (also known as value engineering in

the United States) is a structured and analytical process that seeks to achieve value for money by providing all

necessary functions at the lowest cost consistent with required levels of quality and performance. Shichao Fan,

Qiping Shen, Gongbo Lin also adopted Group decision support system (GDSS) for identifying the problems. This

study presented an experimental comparative study between Interactive Value Management System (IVMS) and the

traditional ways of conducting VM workshop for generating new ideas.

Urmila A Mahadik,(2015)[5], states that VE is applied in an organized process known as VE job plan. The purpose

of job plan is to assist a study team to identify and focus on key project functions in a systematic manner, in order to

create new ideas that will result in value enhancements. The VE job plan consists of five phases: Information Phase,

Creative Phase, Evaluation Phase, Development Phase, and Presentation Phase. She also concluded that using value

engineering by multidisciplinary team, value and economy are improved through study of alternative design

concepts, material and construction methods without compromising functional requirement and quality.

Akintola Omigbodun,(2001)[6], stated an optimal solution for the building project design problem by various

contributing factors subjected to its costs and performance. This study also mentioned various methods and optimal

design with respect to concurrent engineering and total quality management, and these methods are compared with

various other methods for its cost minimization based on VE aspects. Akintola Omigbodun also concluded that in

applying value engineering to a building project, the multidisciplinary team obtains a solution that emphasizes the

functions of the project and the best judgment of the team in making final choices, and which results in a cost

effective design for the project.

Xueqing Zhang, Xiaoming Mao and Simaan M. AbouRizk,(2009)[7] develops a Value knowledge Management

system (VE-KMS), which applies the theory of inventive problem-solving. This system also helps in creating phase

of the VE process by making it more systematic, organized and problem focused. This study proposes a VE-KMS to

support the knowledge creation process, code and retain ideas from historical VE ideas.

VALUE ENGINEERING JOB PLAN TECHNIQUES

The value engineering is a structured, disciplined procedure aim at improving value. The value engineering study

uses a systematic procedure called job plan. The job plan outlines specific techniques to effectively analyze a

product or service in order to develop the maximum number of alternatives to achieve the products or services

required functions. Adherence to the job plan will better assure maximum benefits while offering greater flexibility.

[3]

The VE study is composed of five phases: information phase, creative phase, evaluation phase,

development phase and presentation phase. All phases and steps are performed sequentially. As a value study

progresses new data and information may cause the study team to return to earlier phases or steps within a phase on

an iterative basis. [5] Following are the five phases used in value engineering,

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1411]

Figure 1 The Job Plan

CASE STUDY

Value Engineering is applied to the Shreenath Enclave Offices Complex, Nashik by using following value

engineering job plan phases.

A. Information Phase:

All necessary and possible information regarding the project were collected by visiting the site office and company

directly. The information includes financial and technical aspects of the projects. The data were collected though

meetings, interviews and questionnaire with owner, consultant, contractor, architect and users.

B. Creative Phase:

In our value engineering study of the creative phase, we have used the brainstorming techniques. During

brainstorming the various problems are identified that may affect the cost, time, quality and quantity of work and also

durability of construction. These problems were mainly identified on the basis of construction material cost saving

without compromising the quality of work. The main problems identifies were,

1. As river sand is the basic component for preparation of concrete for R.C.C work, as it is required in bulk quantity

in the construction project. But from the recent study in the Nashik region, it has been found that there is shortage

for availability of river sand because of various reasons due to which price for river sand has hiked.

2. For any concrete structure, reinforcement is as important as concrete also it is required in huge quantity in

construction project. So, in the overall material cost reinforcement costing is considered as a major cost.

To overcome these identified problems various alternative value engineering technique are analyzed and quantified

for achieving benefits in the terms of cost reduction, quality of work and time saving. VE techniques that can be

adopted are,

1. As river sand has shortage for its availability so use of crush sand can be an alternative as it is much cheaper than

river sand. Investigation carried out by varying 0 to 100% replacement of natural sand with manufactured sand

with increment of 20 % and in critical zone the increment is of 10 % in M25 mix. The compressive strength was

determined at 7, 14 and 28 days.

2. For reducing the quantity of reinforcement at the execution stage, use of reinforcement couplers can eliminate the

method of lapping of bars. Moreover, reinforcement couplers give higher strength than lapping of bars at a

feasible cost. Investigation carried out for 16, 20 and 25 mm diameter samples by calculating ultimate tensile

stress by using universal testing machine.

C. Evaluation Phase:

1. Use of Crush Sand Instead of River Sand

The experimental work of use of crush sand instead of river sand was initiated with characterization of the

locally available materials used for the making of concrete. Prior to starting the experimentation, mix design of

M25 were carried out as per IS 10262-2009. Design mixes as shown in table 1.1 The standard cast iron cube

moulds of size 150 X 150 X 150mm are casted and compacted on vibrating table. The compressive strength of

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1412]

specimens is determined after 7, 14 and 28 days. The change in compressive strength of the sample for 28 days is

shown in table 1.2 respectively. A graphical representation of this result is shown in Graph 1.1

Table 1.1 :- Design Mixes (M25 Grade Concrete)

Mixes

Crush Sand : River Sand

Table 1.2 :- Comparison of compressive strength for 28 days

The table 1.2 shows that at the age of 28 days, compressive strength of reference mix (0 % crush sand) was 33.29

MPa and mixes 20:80, 40:60, 50:50, 60:80, 80:20, 100:00 were 35.13, 35.87, 36.13, 35.79, 34.93, and 33.14 MPa,

respectively. Maximum compressive strength (36.13 MPa) was observed for 50:50 concrete mix; it was 8.53 %

more than the reference mix (0% crush sand). At the age of 28 days, percentage increase in compressive strength

was 5.53, 7.75, 8.53, 7.51, 4.93, -0.45 % for mixes 20:80, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:00 than reference mix

(33.29 MPa). In investigation, it was observed that compressive strength of concrete increased with the replacement

of river sand by crush sand up to 50%.

Concrete Mix

Crush Sand : Natural Sand

Average Compressive Strength

(Mpa)

% of Variation With

Respect to Control

Concrete

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1413]

Graph 1.1 M25 Concrete mixes with varying % of crush sand for 28 days

2. Use of Reinforcement Coupler Instead of Lapping of Bars

The ultimate tensile test is conducted for couplers as per IS.1786.2008 which is the mandatory test compulsory for

the manufacturer in house test laboratory. The materials used in this experimental work were mechanical threaded

coupler and HYSD Rebars (Fe 500). Fe 500 steel bars of diameters 16, 20, 25 mm were used for study. Table 1.3

shows the average tensile test result for 16, 20, and 25 mm bars.

Table 1.3 :- Average tensile test result for 16,20 and 25 mm diameter rebar for splicing

Requirement as

per I.S. 1786-

2008

Cross sectional Area (mm2)

0.2% Proof Stress Obtained

(N/mm2)

Ultimate tensile stress

(N/mm2 )

Distance of Fracture from

Centre of Coupler (mm)

Bar broken

outside the splice

joint

Bar broken

outside the

splice joint

Bar broken

outside the splice

joint

31.5

32

32.5

33

33.5

34

34.5

35

35.5

36

36.5

0% Crush

Sand

(Reference

Mix)

20%

Replacement

of river Sand

40%

Replacement

of river Sand

50%

Replacement

of river Sand

60%

Replacement

of river Sand

80%

Replacement

of river Sand

100%

Replacement

of river Sand

28 Days Average Compressive Strength

N/mm2

Avg Compressive Strength N/mm2

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1414]

D. Development Phase:

The results indicates that the alternatives, use of crush sand instead of river sand and use of reinforcement couplers

instead of lapping of bars is better than the existing idea. The cost analysis is done for above both alternatives along

with the existing one. Cost analysis comparison is made between crush sand and river sand in terms of the strength,

economy and feasibility. The result shows that when 50 % crush sand used instead of river sand the cost is reduced

for per cubic meter of concrete. For second alternative cost analysis comparison is made between lap splices and

mechanical splices in terms of the strength, economy and feasibility. The results showed that the use of coupler

instead of lapping of bars can achieves the best savings in the cost.

E. Presentation Phase:

In value engineering presentation phase oral as well as written report is put up to the management / finance

department for approval, mentioning the cost of the concrete and steel after the application value engineering is

considerably less.

CONCLUSION

Based on compressive strength result analysis it is better to produce grade M25 concrete with a combination of 50%

river sand and 50% crush sand as fine aggregate as concrete acquire maximum strength at 50% replacement of river

sand. It resulted that, using 50% crush sand in concrete for R.C.C. work instead of river sand; cost is reduced by

4.65% for 1 Cu.m. of designed M25 mixes of concrete. Instead of using lapping of bars, use of reinforcement

couplers resulted that cost is reduced by 47.95% for 16 mm diameter bars, 49.39% for 20 mm diameter bars and

58.09% for 25 mm diameter bars. The results showed that the use of coupler instead of lapping of bars can be

considered one of the most important methods of the new construction techniques, which achieves the best savings

in the cost and time. The case study indicates that the proposed value engineering technique can be successfully

applied to a real construction project. The proposed technique greatly assists the decision making process to the

owner, designer, and the contractors. In addition, this method can be used for the evaluation and selection of any

construction system by following the procedure presented in this research.

SUGGESTIONS

Introduce the concept of value engineering in all commercial building construction projects. This may come

through:

1. Encouraging application of value engineering in the construction industry. For this purpose, building team work

culture is very essential to the success of value engineering application.

2. Encouraging value engineering certification for a group of successful engineers who have leadership abilities in

order to transfer the knowledge to the local market.

3. Providing incentives to contractors to submit value engineering proposals during implementation of relatively

large projects.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It is stern guidance and grandeur of him which has brought this work in a proper channel. This guidance not only

helps me to collect the knowledge but also to gain the confidence which would help me in future. My association

with him as a student has been extreme pleasing. I would like to express my gratitude towards my respected guide

Prof. P.M. Attarde. I pay my sincere thanks to Prof. P.P. Bhangale, HOD of Civil Engineering Department. I would

also like to thank Principal Dr. R.P. Singh sir for his encouragement and valuable suggestions. Finally heartfelt

appreciation to the all those who directly and indirectly helped me in completion of this experiment.

REFERENCES

[1] Dr. S.V. Deodhar,(2010) "Construction Equipment and Planning," Khanna Publishers Delhi. Fourth

Edition .

[2] K.K. Chitkara, "Construction Project Management Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling," Second Edition,

Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited New Delhi 2011.

[3] Neetu B. Yadav, Rakesh Kacha, Neeraj D. Sharma & Hiren A. Rathod, " A Review on Value Engineering

Techniques in Indian Context" Vol. 3, Issue 5, 2013.

[Rane*et al., 5(7): July, 2016] ISSN: 2277-9655

IC™ Value: 3.00 Impact Factor: 4.116

http: // www.ijesrt.com © International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology

[1415]

[4] Shichao Fan, Qiping Shen, Gongbo Lin, "Comparative study of idea generation between traditional value

management workshops and GDSS- Supported system," Journal of construction engineering and

management, ASCE, vol. 133,2007.

[5] Urmila A Mahadik, " Value Engineering for Cost Reduction and Sustainability in Construction Projects"

e-ISSN : 2278-1684, 2015.

[6] Akintola Omingbodun, "Value engineering and optimal building projects," Journal of architectural

engineering, vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 40-43, 2001.

[7] Xueqing Zhang, Xiaoming Mao and Simaan M. AbouRizk, "Developing a knowledge management

system for improved value engineering practices in the construction industry," Automation in

construction, vol. 18, pp. 777-789, 2009.

[8] M.S.Shetty, Concrete Technology-Theory and Practice, S.Chand & Company limited, New Delhi.

[9] Indian Standard Ordinary Portland Cement, 53 Grade- Specification, IS 12269:2013, Bureau of Indian

Standards, New Delhi, 2013.

[10] Indian Standard Specification for Course and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources For Concrete , IS

383:1970 Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 2002.

[11] Indian Standard Concrete Mix Proportioning- Guideline, IS 10262:2009, Bureau of Indian Standards,

New Delhi, 2009.

[12] M. L Gambhir, "Concrete technology-Theory and Practice", Fourth edition, Tata McGraw-Hill Education

Private Limited, new Delhi, 2009.

[13] Indian Standard Plain & Reinforced Concrete Code of Practice, IS 456: 2000, Fourth Revision, Bureau of

Indian Standards, New Delhi, 2007.

[14] Indian Standard High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires for Concrete Reinforcement-

Specification, IS 1786:2008, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 2008.

ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.

This paper has developed a value engineering knowledge management system (VE-KMS), which applies the theory of inventive problem-solving and integrates its creativity tools into the creativity phase of the VE process and thus makes the creativity phase more systematic, more organized and more problem-focused. This attempt will significantly enhance the creativity power of the VE team beyond their collective capability and consequently enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the VE exercise. The data of a number of sample VE exercises has been extracted and stored in the database to test the validity of the information schema of the VE-KMS, and the domain knowledge is condensed and coded into a broad scope of ten disciplines to increase the utility of the VE-KMS. Furthermore, a transport interchange project is used to demonstrate the application of the VE-KMS.

  • Akintola Omigbodun

The goal of any engineering design is to obtain an optimal solution to the design problem. This paper examines how value engineering contributes to the process of obtaining an optimal solution to the design problem for a building project. The factors that determine a building project and its costs are listed and these factors fall into two groups; one group relates to specific engineering systems, while the other group is general in character and relates to the whole building. Value engineering is effective because its procedures give opportunities for raising design issues associated with the latter group of factors as well as for providing for peer-review of the design. A summary of other methods of optimal design - such as design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA), concurrent engineering, and total quality management - is given, and these methods are compared with value engineering. Cost minimization in building construction is discussed with examples from the writer's experience on building projects in West Africa and the Middle East.

Value management (VM) has been widely used to meet challenges arising from the construction industry. However, it has also encountered some problems such as passive participation in VM workshops and a lack of time and information to complete all tasks in the workshops. A group decision support system (GDSS), entitled interactive value management system (IVMS), has been developed by the writers to overcome these problems. This paper starts with an introduction to GDSS and a critical review of technologies used in the process of idea generation in VM workshops. This is followed by findings of a laboratory experiment designed to compare the productivity of traditional brainstorming and brainstorming with IVMS support in VM workshops. The results of the experiment showed that IVMS has a positive influence on idea generation in VM workshops. Finally, the implications of the study and directions for future research are discussed.

Construction Equipment and Planning

  • S V Dr
  • Deodhar

Dr. S.V. Deodhar,(2010) "Construction Equipment and Planning," Khanna Publishers Delhi. Fourth Edition.

Construction Project Management Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling

  • K K Chitkara

K.K. Chitkara, "Construction Project Management Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling," Second Edition, Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited New Delhi 2011.

Value Engineering for Cost Reduction and Sustainability in Construction Projects

  • A Urmila
  • Mahadik

Urmila A Mahadik, " Value Engineering for Cost Reduction and Sustainability in Construction Projects" e-ISSN : 2278-1684, 2015.

Concrete Technology-Theory and Practice, S.Chand & Company limited

  • M S Shetty

M.S.Shetty, Concrete Technology-Theory and Practice, S.Chand & Company limited, New Delhi.

Indian Standard Specification for Course and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources For Concrete

Indian Standard Specification for Course and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources For Concrete, IS 383:1970 Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 2002.

Concrete technology-Theory and Practice

  • M Gambhir

M. L Gambhir, "Concrete technology-Theory and Practice", Fourth edition, Tata McGraw-Hill Education Private Limited, new Delhi, 2009.

Indian Standard High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires for Concrete Reinforcement-Specification

Indian Standard High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires for Concrete Reinforcement-Specification, IS 1786:2008, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 2008.