Factor Analysis of Construction Waste in Riyadh Metro Project, KSA

Development of the infrastructure is favorable for the growth and economy for any country; however, the issues to manage construction waste due originating from development exercises is a noteworthy reason for concern. The waste from construction contributes to negative repercussions on time, cost, productivity, and environment. Therefore, to reduce these negative and undesirable effects, a detailed review of waste generation and management must be provided. The significant construction waste causes were identified and grouped into seven clusters: construction management, design, construction material procurement, construction material handling, construction site condition, and external factor. A total of 150 questionnaire survey forms were distributed to professionals working on the Riyadh metro project, and only 118 questionnaire forms were received. The collected data from the questionnaire is analyzed using the average index and factor analysis. Analysis identified that ‘Design errors; ‘Accidents; ‘Damage during handling’; ‘Communication problems; ‘Frequent variation orders’ ; ‘Congestion of the site’ and ‘Damage caused by workers’; are highest significant causes in each category respectively. Furthermore, factor analysis was conducted through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) technique to the top fifteen (15) factors and found five factors responsible for the construction waste was identified such as management, workers issues, material related issues, improper handling, and design. The findings from this study are useful for policymakers to develop or/and enhance recommendations on construction waste generation to prevent problems in construction industries. The government or building industry should establish or strengthen regulations that regulates how construction materials should be disposed of.