Prediction of waste generation in construction through BIM modeling

Abstract The construction industry is certainly fundamental to the Brazilian economy, but the high consumption of raw materials involved is cause for environmental concern, especially due to the huge amount of waste it generates. Actions to reduce construction waste (CW) are taken solely in the actual construction stage, not in the design stages. In this scenario, BIM technology can be used to better analyse and control waste generation. This paper presents a BIM model that allows contractors to estimate the volume and disposal cost of CW in the design stage, before any construction activities have been performed. A systematic literature review provided a correct selection of construction material waste factors and BIM modelling methods. Calculations revealed that 10% of CW is class B and 90% is class A. Mortar was found to be the material with the highest waste rate, 56% of the total waste volume estimate. These findings demonstrate that BIM modelling can produce reliable data, which will help contractors to create a Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP), thus improving CW planning and reduction.