CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (A CASE STUDY: TEHRAN METROPOLITAN, IRAN)

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 Dept. of Civil Engineering Sharif University of Technology

2 Dept. of Civil Engineering Stanford University

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most important sectors of economy in developing countries. This industry consumes enormous amounts of raw material and produces considerable waste. The optimization of construction material usage not only saves costs, but, also, can significantly contribute towards sustainable development. This article addresses construction waste management as an approach to improve construction productivity, with a focus on its application in developing countries. The status of construction waste production and management in Tehran metropolitan, Iran{as a developing country } is investigated and compared with the status of developed countries. Subsequently, barriers to implement concepts of construction waste management in Iran are addressed. Based on the findings of this study, it is shown that, in order to implement construction waste management in Iran's construction industry, the government should set rules and provide instructions on the issue; while constructors must design structures for minimum waste, and adopt modern construction methods, like prefabrication.

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