Identification of Causes of Construction Waste Materials Generation: A Case Study of Tribhuvan International Airport

Abstract

Airports are critical transportation hubs that undergo constant construction, expansion, and renovation projects. However, the effective management of waste generated from these activities is often overlooked, leading to various operational, safety, cost, space, and environmental challenges. Using a case study approach, this study analyzes the causes of construction waste generation, focusing on Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The study involves a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions with clients, consultants, and contractors experienced in TIA's construction practices. The responses were analyzed for the Relative Importance Index (RII) and ranked according to RII index values. Spearman's Rank Correlation was calculated to identify the correlation among the respondents. The leading causes of waste generation are a need for more awareness among designers about waste management practices, Poor material storage practices, and rework due to poor work quality. This research concludes with recommendations derived from the content analysis of the focus group discussions. The findings emphasize the need for education, workshops, and training to raise awareness about strategies and benefits of effective construction waste management. By addressing the identified causes, airports can improve their construction waste management practices, enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and maintain sustainable infrastructure development.