DL E&C Introduces Korea's First Advanced Project Management Methodology

Application of AWP Construction Method in Yeosu DL Chemical Polyethylene Expansion Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] DL E&C (formerly Daelim Industrial) announced on the 31st that it has successfully completed the construction project of a petrochemical plant, applying the Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) method for the first time in Korea. DL E&C applied the AWP method to the polyethylene expansion project at DL Chemical in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, enhancing work productivity and safety to successfully complete the project.

AWP is a construction management system jointly developed by the Construction Industry Institute in the United States and the Alberta Construction Owners Association in Canada. It subdivides the entire process from design and procurement to construction and commissioning, integrating them into a standardized platform to systematically and efficiently manage the entire construction. The goal is to maximize efficiency and productivity by preparing necessary components in advance according to the process and eliminating interference factors that hinder work beforehand. Research indicates that applying the AWP method can reduce construction costs by up to 10% and improve work productivity by 20-25%.

The DL Chemical polyethylene plant project, where DL E&C applied the AWP method, involved adding equipment to an existing plant and introducing new processing facilities to expand production capacity from 160,000 tons to 410,000 tons annually. The construction site was narrow, and minimizing the shutdown period of existing facilities was a challenging task requiring meticulous process management. Accordingly, DL E&C applied the AWP method and integrated BIM and 4D simulation systems to carry out the project. In particular, the daily work volume visualized in 3D was shared with subcontractors and construction was performed after consultations. This minimized rework and design changes, and unavoidable interference factors were shared in advance to prevent safety accidents. By applying the AWP method, DL E&C was able to reduce construction labor input by approximately 16% compared to before.

Yoo Jae-ho, Head of the Plant Business Division at DL E&C, said, “The AWP method is an advanced technique demanded by global petrochemical companies, and many domestic construction companies are also considering its adoption. We plan to gradually expand the application of the AWP method to further enhance competitiveness in the global plant market.”