Construction industry is the
foremost area in any nation. In light of the profits resulting from the
industry, the activities of the industry generates increasing magnitudes of
waste which has created a bad image for the industry; and also deplete the
limited natural resources. The aim of the study is to evaluate material wastage in building projects in Nigeria, with a view
of boosting and enhanced performance of building projects in Nigeria. The
objectives of the study are to identify the causes of materials wastage in
building projects, identify materials mostly wasted during construction
operations, and to assess measures of minimizing construction material waste.
In view of the objectives of this study, a total of 120 questionnaires
semi-structured questionnaires were administered to various construction
professionals in Lagos, Nigeria. Eighty five (85) questionnaires were
retrieved, and were carefully coded and the data entered into the statistical
package for social science (SPSS V.21). The result indicated that the major
cause of waste occurs at the design and documentation stage. This was evident
in the study as designer's unfamiliarity with alternative products (3.80) and
selection of low quality products (3.41) were ranked high of all the four
categories of the sources and causes of material wastage. It was evident that
cement/mortar and concrete are the major materials commonly subjected to waste
on most site. Also, the most frequently
practiced measured as identified are access to latest information about types
of materials on the market (3.52). The study therefore recommend that
operatives should be well supervised and coordinated to avoid waste as the
operative lack adequate experience in handling resources.
Keywords: Construction
Industry, Materials, Waste
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
DECLARATION........................................................................................................................ ii
CERTIFICATION.................................................................................................................... iii
DEDICATION.......................................................................................................................... iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................... v
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................... vi
CONTENTS…………………………………..………………………………………………………vi
LIST OF
TABLES…………………………………………………………………………………….ix
CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................................ 1
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background to the Study................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of the Research
Problem............................................................................... 3
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study......................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 Aim.................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.2 Objectives of the Study..................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Significant of the Study........................................................................................................ 7
1.5 Scope of the Study................................................................................................................ 7
CHAPTER TWO....................................................................................................................... 8
LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................................... 8
2.0 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 The Construction
Industry.................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1 The Global
Construction Industry................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 International Supply
of Construction Services................................................................ 9
2.1.3 The Nigerian
Construction Industry.............................................................................. 10
2.1.4 The Clients....................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.5 Professional
consultants and Contractors...................................................................... 12
2.2 Wastes and Construction
Industry.................................................................................... 12
2.2.1 Meaning of Waste........................................................................................................... 12
2.2.2 Construction Waste......................................................................................................... 13
2.3Types of Construction
Waste.............................................................................................. 14
2.3.1 Material Waste................................................................................................................ 14
2.3.2 Magnitude of Waste in
Construction.............................................................................. 15
2.4 Sources of Materials
Waste............................................................................................... 17
2.4.1 Natural Waste................................................................................................................. 17
2.4.2 Direct waste..................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.3 Indirect Waste................................................................................................................. 18
2.5 Causes of Materials
Waste................................................................................................ 19
2.6 Wastage of Key Materials
on Construction Sites............................................................. 20
2.6.1 Steel Reinforcement........................................................................................................ 21
2.6.2 Concrete.......................................................................................................................... 21
2.6.3 Timber Formwork........................................................................................................... 22
2.6.4 Cement............................................................................................................................. 23
2.6.5 Sand, Lime, and
Premixed Mortar................................................................................. 23
2.6.6 Brick and Block............................................................................................................... 23
2.6.7 Pipes and Wires............................................................................................................... 24
2.7 Materials control on
site.................................................................................................... 24
2.7.1 Materials Storage and
Handling on Site......................................................................... 27
2.8 Waste Minimization........................................................................................................... 28
2.8.1 Waste Minimization in
Construction.............................................................................. 30
2.8.2 The 3 “R”S of
Construction Waste Minimization.......................................................... 32
2.8.3 Source Reduction............................................................................................................ 33
2.8.4 Reuse/Salvage of
Materials............................................................................................. 34
2.8.5 Recycling......................................................................................................................... 34
2.8.6 Benefits of
Construction Waste Minimization................................................................ 35
CHAPTER THREE................................................................................................................. 37
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY............................................................................................. 37
3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................ 37
3.2 Sources of data................................................................................................................... 37
3.2.1. Sources and causes of
materials waste.......................................................................... 37
3.2.2. Perception of
Professionals on Principles of Waste...................................................... 37
3.3 Research Instrument.......................................................................................................... 38
3.3.1. Questionnaire Design..................................................................................................... 38
3.3.2 Structure of
Questionnaire............................................................................................. 38
3.4 Target Population.............................................................................................................. 39
3.5 Sampling Procedure........................................................................................................... 39
CHAPTER FOUR.................................................................................................................... 40
DATA ANALYSIS,
INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION.............................................. 40
4.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................ 40
4.1 Socio-economic
Characteristics of the Respondent........................................................... 40
4.1.1 Profession of Respondent................................................................................................ 41
4.1.2 Level of Education.......................................................................................................... 41
4.1.3 Level of Experience in
Years.......................................................................................... 42
4.1.4 Major Clients.................................................................................................................. 43
4.1.5 Geographical
Operational Locations............................................................................. 43
4.2 Sources and Causes of
Waste............................................................................................ 44
4.2.1 Design and
Documentation............................................................................................. 44
4.2.2 Operational..................................................................................................................... 46
4.2.3 Materials Storage and
Handling..................................................................................... 47
4.2.4 Procurement.................................................................................................................... 48
4.2.5 Discussion on All
Categories of Sources and Causes of Waste...................................... 49
4.3 Materials Wasted On Site.................................................................................................. 51
4.3.1 Individual
Professional Perspectives on Materials Wasted on Site............................... 52
4.4 Possible Measures that
Contribute to the Minimization of Material Wastages............... 53
4.5 Test of Difference among
the Means of Sources and Causes of Waste............................ 55
4.6 Discussion of findings......................................................................................................... 56
4.6.1 Causes of Waste.............................................................................................................. 56
4.6.2 Materials Wasted On
Site............................................................................................... 56
4.6.3 Measures......................................................................................................................... 56
CHAPTER FIVE...................................................................................................................... 57
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................. 57
5.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................ 57
5.1 Summary of findings.......................................................................................................... 57
5.2 Conclusions......................................................................................................................... 58
5.3 Recommendations.............................................................................................................. 58
REFERENCES......................................................................................................................... 60
APPENDIX............................................................................................................................... 66
LIST
OF TABLES
Table
2.1: Summary of Direct Waste…………………………..…………….……….. 18
Table
2.2: Summary of Waste………………………………………..…………..…… 19
Table
2. 3 Sources of Construction Waste……………………………………….….… 20
Table
4.1: Profession of Respondent ……………………………………………….… 41
Table
4.2: Level of Education ………………………………………………………….. 42
Table
4.3: Level Of Experience In Years……………………………………………..… 42
Table
4.4: Major Clients………………………………………………………..………… 43
Table
4.5: Geographical Operational Locations…………………………………………. 44
Table
4.6 Design and Documentation……………………………………………….……. 45
Table
4.7: Operational……………………………………………………………………. 46
Table
4.8: Materials Storage and Handling…………………………………………….… 48
Table
4.9: Procurement……………………………………………………………….….. 48
Table
4.10: Rank of all categories of Sources and Causes of Waste……………….……. 49
Table
4.11: Materials Wasted On Site…………………………………………………… 51
Table
12: Individual Professional Perspectives on Materials Wasted on Site ………….… 52
Table4.13:
Possible Measures That Contribute To the Minimization of Material Wastages.54
Table
4.14: ANOVA among the Means of Sources and Causes of Waste…………….…. 56
1.1 Background
to the Study
The construction industry is the backbone of every nation, as it is one
of the forces driving the socio-economic growth and development of nations of
the world; also, it improves the quality of live through the provision of
infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and other necessary basic
facilities (Eze, Seghosime, Eyong, &
Loya, 2017).
Construction industry is the foremost area in any nation. In light of the
profits resulting from the industry, the activities of the industry generates
increasing magnitudes of waste which has created a bad image for the industry;
and also deplete the limited natural resources. Eze et al, (2017), labelled the
construction industry as one of the largest and most important industries; and
at the same time the major consumer of natural resources and one of the largest
polluters.
The wastes generated by the industry have not been successfully managed,
thus triggering significant health and environmental problems. Wastage on
construction site has become a scourge in Nigerian construction industry (Adewuyi & Otali, 2013). In construction,
4-M (Material, Manpower, Money Machine) play crucial role. Depending on the
type of a housing project, building materials account for 60 to 70% of the
project cost. Through material waste management function, we can reduce the
overall project cost by waste minimization or maximum utilization of resources
(Material) (Meghani, Bhavsar, Vyas, & Hingu, 2011). This delinquent has
adversely affected the performance of many projects in Nigeria.
Adewuyi et al, (2013) cited Obiegbu (2002) perceived that wastage in
construction firms has come to stay considering the fact that at least 5% is
achieved when preparing the estimate for a project which is usually not
adequate. Wastage can be seen in many ways in the particularity of construction
works. In light of this, a very high level of waste is assumed to exist in
construction. Although it is difficult to systematically measure all wastes in
construction, partial studies from various countries have confirmed that waste
represents a relatively large percentage of production costs. A wide range of
measures have been used for monitoring waste, such as excess consumption of
materials, quality failure costs, and maintenance and repair costs, accidents,
and nonproductive time (Alshboul & Ghazaleh, 2014)
This proved that many construction works have wastage because it is an
issue that cannot be removed from construction work. There have been different
descriptions of materials wastage in buildings projects by different
authors. Adewuyi et al, (2013) and Shen,
(2002), defined materials wastage in buildings projects as the difference
between the value of materials delivered and accepted on site and those
properly used as specified and accurately measured in the work after deducting
the cost saving of substituted materials transferred elsewhere in which
unnecessary cost, building material wastage can be defined as the difference
between the value of materials delivered and accepted on site and those
properly used as specified and accurately measured in the work after deducting
the cost saving of substituted materials transferred elsewhere in which
unnecessary cost and time may be incurred
by the material wastage.
Shen, (2002), defined building material wastage as the difference
between the value of materials delivered and accepted on site and those
properly used as specified and accurately measured in the work after deducting
the cost saving of substituted materials transferred elsewhere in which
unnecessary cost and time may be increased by the material wastage. Al-Hajj
& Hamani, (2011), perceive construction waste as the difference between
what was purchased and what was actually used.
This shows that waste in building construction projects is important not
only from the perspective of efficiency. Also, there have been concern in this
recent years about the adverse effect of the waste of building materials on the
environment. This kind of waste typically accounts for between 15 and 30% of
urban (Alshboul & Ghazaleh, 2014). Building materials
waste is difficult to recycle due to high levels of contamination and a large
degree of heterogeneity (Meghani et al, 2011). Wastes have affected the
performance of many projects in Nigeria (Eze, Sehosime, Eyong, & Loya,
2017; Adeagbo, Achuenu, & Oyemogun, 2016; Arijeloye & Akinradewo, 2016;
Adewuyi & Otali, 2013; Wahab & Lawal, 2011).
Eze, Sehosime, Eyong, & Loya, (2017) and Wahab & Lawal, (2011),
discussed that ineffective material planning and control on construction sites
could result to poor performance and unplanned outcomes of construction
projects. Construction projects are faced with severe problems of time and cost
overruns, as well as construction waste. Polat and Ballard (2004), submitted
that, a very high level of waste exists in construction. Since construction has
a major and direct influence on many other industries by means of both
purchasing inputs and providing the products to all other industries,
eliminating or reducing waste in the construction industry could yield great
cost savings to the society.
Despite disparities in the construction projects, potential material
waste is caused by similar inefficiencies in design, procurement, material
handling, operation or residual on-site waste such as packaging (Adeagbo, et
al, 2016; Wahab & Lawal, 2011; Formoso et al., 1993; Gavilan and Bernold,
1994). However, this studied will examining the causes or factors affecting
construction material waste generation on building construction project, and
similarly considered and analyzed these factors statistically. This is to
establish the effects of these researched factors have on building construction
project and also made available the result of the finding for contractors, specialists
and other professionals in the study area.
1.2 Statement
of the Research Problem
Various scholars has carried out studies on material wastage in
construction projects locally (Formoso et al, 2002; Eze, et al. 2017; Ugochukwu, et al. 2017; Adeagbo, et al. 2016;
Arijeloye & Akinradewo, 2016; Adewuyi, et al. 2014; Adewuyi & Otali,
2013; Fagbenle, et al. 2011; Wahab & Lawal, 2011; Akinkurolere &
Franklin, 2005; Ekanayake & Ofori, 2004) and internationally (Tareq &
Ahmed, 2018; Husnain, et al. 2017; Gulghane & Khandve, 2015; Zenith, 2015;
Alshboul & Ghazaleh, 2014; Canberra Business Chamber, 2014; Jingkuang &
Yousong, 2013; Kareem & Pandey, 2013; Safeer & Arun, 2012; Swinburne,
et al. 2010; Tam, 2008; Polat & Ballard, 2004; Shen, 2002; Gavilan & Bernold,
1994; and Formoso, et al. 1993) from different perceptive and emphases.
Formoso et al. (2002) was one of the first studies on material waste in
Brazil, involving a single case study based on data from an 18-storey
residential building project that was chosen because all the records of
materials supply and use were well kept by the construction company. Both
direct and indirect wastes of 10 building materials were estimated. The waste
percentages included both direct and indirect waste. The total waste was 18% of
the weight of all materials purchased, representing an additional cost of 6%.
One of the main contributions of this study was that it pointed out the
importance of indirect waste in relation to direct waste. For instance, the
amount of indirect waste of mortar was as much as 85% of the designed volume of
plaster. This represents not only a waste of materials, but also a significant
unnecessary additional load on the building structure.
Akinkurolere et al, (2005) carried out an investigation into Waste Management
on Construction Sites in South Western Nigeria. The study focused on the
dangers posed by material waste in the construction industry, ways of
minimizing construction waste, ways of keeping proper site records for
accountability sake. And recommend effective waste management measures. This
research adopted questionnaires to collect data from construction
professionals, and employed tables and statistical indices for the data
analysis. The study revealed that material wastage increase the cost of construction
project and reduce contractor’s profit. And attributed construction was to poor
management and lack of effective waste management awareness. The study
recommended that construction waste management should be recycled and reused.
And through giving incentives to workers for proper handling, material wastage
is reduced; and trained personnel should be used as supervisors.
Wahab & Lawal, (2011), evaluated waste control measures in
construction industry in Lagos, Nigeria. The study assessed the forms, causes
and factors incidental to waste and measures to effectively control
construction waste. The study adopted questionnaire, interview and site visit
to collect it data from construction professionals. Study used Relative
Important index, frequency and percentages to analyze its data. The study
reported that factors incidental to waste, design variation are caused by last
minute client requirement; cost of construction materials was major factor
influencing construction materials selection; and construction cost factor
leads to method of construction.
The study revealed that most firms do not calculate waste indices which
could assist them to determine the amount of waste generated, and no proper
sorting exercise of waste during construction. Also, most firms do not
incorporate “waste management plan” in their tender documents. To control
waste, designers should coordinate dimensions between materials specified and
those procured, proper material handling, storage and usage were advocated and
that “waste management plan” should be incorporated in tender submission of
contracting firms.
Babatunde (2012), carried out a study on Quantitative Assessment of
Construction Materials Wastage in the Nigerian Construction Sites. The study’s
purpose was to quantitatively assess construction materials wastage in construction
sites with a view to providing background information at the design stage on
allowable percentage of construction materials waste that will enhance
construction project delivery. The study used structured questionnaires to
collect data from construction professionals in Abuja municipal, Nigeria. The
study analyzed its data using average, percentage and relative significant
index (RSI). The study found out that the most type of waste on construction site
is theft and vandalism, cutting waste, transit waste and application waste.
The study concluded that 15.32% are construction materials waste in the
Nigerian construction sites; and recommended 15- 20% allowance for all types of
construction materials waste in Nigeria. It is evident that previous studies
have mostly focused only on the sensitivity and awareness of construction
professionals, separating out others key stakeholders that are both physically
and directly involved in the carrying out the construction works and the
production of the finished building. However, Adewuyi & Otali (2013) term
the site supervisors and the site operatives as people who are directly
involved in the art of putting the raw materials together to form the building
envelope.
Hence, it is clear from previous researches both at local and international
level that these groups of stakeholders have been neglected. It is against this
backdrop that this study is predicated. The outcomes of this study will enable
the clients, consultants, contractors, and construction professionals know that
site operatives and craft men are aware of material waste and are conscious of
contributing to their reduction during construction. The outcome will also add
to the body of knowledge available on construction waste management. General,
construction operatives and craft men will be considered important stakeholders
in the scheme of things regarding making decision in construction operations
that relate to construction waste generation and management.
The aim of this study is to evaluate material wastage
building projects in Nigeria with a view to boosting the performance of
building projects in Nigeria.
To achieve this aim, the following are the
objectives of the study;
i.
To
identify materials mostly wasted during construction operations,
ii.
To
identify the causes of materials wastage in building projects,
iii.
To
determine measures of minimizing construction material waste.
The study seeks to have positive implications on the Nigerian building
construction industry. Among them are; the results will enable building
organizations to improve construction quality\y; efficiency through the
implementation of the measures suggested to remove potential barriers to the
implementation of lean construction. Minimizing materials waste would improve
project performance and enhance value for individual customers, and this have a
positive impact on the national economy growth and development.
The scope of this study covers the causes of materials wastage in
building projects; identifying the most wasteful material produced during
construction operations; determining the most important factors that influence
material waste production during construction work; determining the measures of
minimizing construction material waste, and, analyzing the most important
benefit of material waste minimization.
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