MATERIAL WASTE IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: CAUSES AND EFFECTS

Abstract

Construction waste is one of the major concerns that need attention in any construction project. It should be controlled and tightly regulated. This approach reduces the environmental impact of waste. Appropriate handling and disposal of garbage often require extra expenditure. Recently, several construction firms have placed immense efforts to reduce waste. Wastes from building projects include physical and non-physical ones. Solid waste is a type of rubbish that falls under the first category. Non-physical waste is the residue that builds up during construction, extends the completion time, and increases the money burden on the project. Waste from significant construction projects, if improperly managed, can lead to cost overruns. Material waste needs appropriate handling starting in the pre-contract phase. This study aims to expose wasteful practices and materials in building projects and their causes and sources. Several studies focused on waste management research, while the current study focuses on determining the primary source of waste during the project lifecycle. This study also offers two solution methods to help project managers to control and minimize waste in their construction projects. The planning process includes purchasing ideal materials, preparation of an appropriate design schedule, and site planning works. Thus, the control comprises the handling, distribution of materials, waste protection, storage and waste accounting, documentation and record keeping, safety procedures, workers, and maintenance of machinery and equipment. This study included analysis of a survey of 60 questions given to engineering consultants, including architects, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and quantity surveyors in Amman. The response rate to the survey was 82%. Architects make up 58% of survey respondents, followed by civil and structural engineers (22%), quantity surveyors (9%), and mechanical and electrical engineers (11%). This study discovered that 62% of those who assessed the data considered the participants' work experience in the construction industry. Based on the study results, the main findings revealed that the primary sources of construction waste are vandalism, waiting due to equipment setup and sharing, rework caused by design changes, waiting due to storage problems and material supplier delays, waiting due to crew interference, and waiting for guidance and examination. Keywords: Material Waste, Construction, Physical Waste, Non-Physical Waste, Cost DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.10