This dissertation develops and analyses the quantification of all wastes present in particular construction process. This has been conducted from a lean construction perspective where waste has been defined as any non-value adding process or activity. The specific processes chosen were concrete paving, hand-pouring concrete and the installation of formwork. The types of wastes present in the construction industry have been researched and a comprehensive list collated. A number of waste classifications have been evaluated to organise these wastes into manageable groups. These classifications were also selected on their usability and the potential techniques of measurement. A suitable format for waste reporting has been established and trialled in a construction environment. This has been evaluated by Professional Engineers in management positions within the construction industry.
Due to the individual nature of construction projects there are significant inefficiencies in comparison to similar industries such as manufacturing. Of these wastes concrete construction has been deemed the largest contributor to wastage. This leads us to the question of how do we measure not only the materials wasted but the other types of waste in processes. This needs to be answered as efficiencies cannot be improved without the knowledge of where and how they are occurring.
This project has been conducted utilising; theoretical research, practical on-site observations and by seeking industry feedback on the conclusions drawn from these investigations. The theoretical research took the form of a literature review on lean construction methodologies and types of ‘waste’. This focused on waste management and classification and how this has been applied to construction projects around the world. Practical on site observations were used to develop activity mapping and waste sampling which were used in the case studies for waste classification and quantification. From this a suitable format for waste reporting has been established and trialled in a construction environment. Industry feedback was sought in the form of structured interviews and an accompanying questionnaire. These interviews were conducted with four Engineering Managers working on a variety of large construction projects. From this evaluation improvements can be made to this structure and a future direction for this research has been determined.
This research can be used as a base for lean construction waste reporting within the Australian construction industry. It has shown this it is both practical and useful to implement this reporting process on site. The dissertation has also identified the need for a cost/benefit analysis into waste reporting on construction sites to determine the efficiency of the process itself
