A Statistical Assessment of Construction Waste Generation Patterns and Management Practices in Medium-Scale Urban Projects

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns of construction waste generation and the associated management practices in medium-scale urban construction projects. Data was collected from multiple active construction sites through site observations, interviews, and waste audits. The study classified waste materials and analyzed generation trends based on the construction stage. Statistical tools were employed to identify major contributors and correlations between project characteristics and waste volumes. The findings highlight that ineffective material handling, lack of planning, and poor storage contribute significantly to waste generation. Recommendations include stage-wise material control, on-site waste segregation, and awareness training. The study emphasizes the need for policy support and structured guidelines tailored to medium-scale projects to promote sustainable construction practices.

Introduction

Background

• The construction sector contributes significantly to urban solid waste in India.

• Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste accounts for 25–30% of total solid waste annually (CPCB, 2020).

• Medium-scale projects (G+3 to G+6 buildings) lack structured waste management, causing environmental harm and resource inefficiencies.

Study Objectives

1. Categorize waste types in medium-scale construction.

2. Quantify waste across construction stages.

3. Assess on-site waste management practices.

4. Use statistical tools to analyze waste patterns.

5. Recommend strategies for waste reduction.

Methodology

• Data Collection: From 5 active construction sites at different stages—excavation, structural, masonry/plaster, and finishing.

• Waste Categories:

  • Concrete & mortar

  • Bricks & blocks

  • Metals

  • Wood & formwork

  • Packaging (plastic/cardboard)

  • Miscellaneous (tiles, glass, insulation)

• Tools Used: Excel & SPSS for descriptive stats, trend analysis, and correlation.

Key Findings

• Structural stage produced the highest waste (~44% of total).

• Concrete & mortar were the top waste category (~40%), followed by bricks & blocks (~25%).

• Waste breakdown by stage:

  • Excavation: 12%

  • Structural: 44%

  • Masonry/Plaster: 30%

  • Finishing: 14%

• Table Data showed consistent patterns: Concrete & mortar topped waste types across all sites.

Insights & Correlations

• Sites with:

  • Basic segregation practices reduced landfill waste by 15–20%.

  • Dedicated storage areas had lower waste rates.

  • Contractor awareness and waste bin availability correlated with better waste control.

Conclusion

Medium-scale urban construction projects contribute substantially to construction waste but receive limited attention in waste management policies. This study revealed that improper planning and material handling are major contributors. With simple changes—like designated storage zones, awareness campaigns, and on-site segregation—waste volume can be significantly reduced. Policymakers must create waste handling guidelines tailored to such projects and enforce basic compliance for sustainable urban development.

References

[1] Swathi Arivalagan, \"Experimental Study on LECA Concrete\", International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 2018. [2] Ajayi, S.O., et al., \"Minimising construction waste: A review\", Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2017. [3] Tam, V.W.Y., et al., \"Reducing construction waste through pre-design planning\", Automation in Construction, 2007. [4] CPCB, “Guidelines on Environmental Management of C&D Waste”, Central Pollution Control Board, 2020. [5] BIS, IS 15998:2012 – “Handling and Disposal of Construction Waste”.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Parvathy S M, Soni JV . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.