Material wastage in construction sites: identification of major causes

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a study, which quantified the material wastage in construction sites in Sri Lanka. The paper intends to provide the magnitude of waste, its causes and how it could be minimized. In this paper, the wastage of a particular material is calculated as a percentage of the actual used quantities (less the requirement) compared to the actual requirement of the material. Sand was found to be having the highest wastage (25%) followed by Lime (20%), Cement (14%), and Bricks (14%). It was also found that in any waste prevention programme in Sri Lanka, minimisation of the Cutting and Management waste should be given priority over other causes. The Cutting waste could be reduced mainly by design interventions whereas the Management waste can be reduced by providing adequate supervision and proper organization of site activities.