A field based methodology for estimating waste generation rates at various stages of construction projects

Amal Bakshan, Issam Srour, Ghassan Chehab and Mutasem El-Fadel

Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 2015, vol. 100, issue C, 70-80

Abstract: The growth in construction activities over the past two decades has resulted in a parallel increase in the amount of generated construction waste. This growth, coupled with shortages in landfill space particularly in urban areas, has proven to be a challenging stressor to the environment. Management of construction waste has thus become a problem attracting increasing attention worldwide. In this context, the quantification of waste streams generated from various construction stages is the first step for managing construction waste. In this study, a methodology for quantifying waste streams arising at various construction stages is proposed. The methodology is then tested at a field scale to estimate generation rates for major waste streams and the total construction waste generation rate for the purpose of developing a generalized construction waste management plan that can be applied at a city/regional/country level. The results of the study reveal that the total construction waste generation rate falls within the range of 38–43kg/m2, with masonry and concrete constituting more than 60% of the total waste. The study concludes with a set of recommendations addressing the most important issues contributing to a successful implementation of an integrated construction waste management plan.

Keywords: Construction waste; Generation rates; Waste management plan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:recore:v:100:y:2015:i:c:p:70-80

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.04.002

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