Resource optimization for sustainable construction: A state of art

Abstract

The estimated cost of construction material on any construction project is about 40-60% of the total construction project cost in which approximately construction material’s waste contributes 30-35% of the material cost, which in result leads to project cost overrun and loss of materials. Lesser studies have been done for the construction material waste reduction or optimization directly at the time of its use on site. The basic aim of this study is to describe the methods by which the construction material as a resource can be used sustainably reducing the wastages and prevention at site during construction. The study discloses that selection of less experienced working method and the poor quality of materials to be used on site also results in material wastage during sudden design stage. The major beginning of material wastages during construction stage are improper uses of material as well as labors. Similarly, while procurement, wastages are caused during loading, unloading and transportation processes and unavailability to order small quantities of material. Also, lack of knowledge and improper security for materials procured causes the same even before its use on site. Thus, the study can be used further in co-ordination of optimization techniques on site to reduce the wastages and cost of materials during construction.