Abstract:
There is a significant contribution of materials to be
handled, transferred, and used; further, large logistics operations
are related to transporting, storing, moving, and reloading in
large scale construction projects. Thus, the research aims to
investigate issues that occur beyond the site, material handling,
and transportation in large-scale construction projects.
Accordingly, extensive literature was synthesized to identify the
usage of materials in large-scale construction projects, their
significance, and procedures of material handling and
transportation. This study adopted a qualitative research
approach by selecting a multiple case study strategy. Five largescale
construction projects in Colombo Metropolitan area were
selected and semi-structured interviews were conducted with
three different levels of site personnel from each case study.
Finally, the gathered information was analyzed using computerbased
content analysis and further supported by data collected
through observations.
The outcomes disclosed various issues in material handling
and transportation with respective causes and possible solutions
to minimize identified issues in large scale construction projects.
Accidents, adverse weather conditions, lack of material handling
equipment, lack of labors, improper packing systems, misplace
and steal of materials, lack of pre-arrangements, bulk quantities,
limited site area, delay in taking approvals, improper supervision
and unawareness of the handling process were identified as
common material handling and transportation issues. It was
identified these can be mitigated by proper supervision,
providing a manual to handle each material, labeling material,
maintaining good communication with laborers and arranging a
gate pass system. Further, recommendations for improving
material handling and transportation were provided for industry
practitioners.
Citation:
A. M. G. P. Abeysinghe, K. G. A. S. Waidyasekara and D. G. Melagoda, "Beyond Site Material Handling and Transportation in Large-Scale Construction Projects," 2018 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), 2018, pp. 66-71, doi: 10.1109/MERCon.2018.8421893.