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An investigation of construction wastes: an empirical study in Shenzhen

Jia‐Yuan Wang (School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China)
Xiang‐Ping Kang (Management Engineering Department of Pingdingshan Technical College, Pingdingshan, People's Republic of China)
Vivian Wing‐Yan Tam (Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia)

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

ISSN: 1726-0531

Article publication date: 10 October 2008

2249

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze on‐site production and sources of construction wastes through data obtained from a detailed questionnaire survey and structured interviews conducted in Shenzhen.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate the compositions of these construction waste and their sources. One hundred and ten copies are sent to governmental officers, designers, engineers, and contractors, and 84 responses are received, in which the respondent rate is about 76.4 percent.

Findings

According to the survey results, concrete, cement, brick, timber, tile, steel, and aluminum wastes are the main waste sources produced on construction sites. The sources of these wastes are varied. Suggestions to improve the existing waste situation are also discussed.

Originality/value

Various types of construction wastes are generated during construction activities. Expansion of construction wastes not only represents an enormous dissipation of resources but also results in serious environmental pollution, thus creating negative effects to the sustainable development of environmental industry and society. With the developing of economy and industry, waste problems have become more serious in recent years; therefore, waste management is becoming a pressing issue.

Keywords

Citation

Wang, J., Kang, X. and Wing‐Yan Tam, V. (2008), "An investigation of construction wastes: an empirical study in Shenzhen", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 227-236. https://doi.org/10.1108/17260530810918252

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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