The conceptual model of the design for construction waste minimization based on system dynamics

Abstract

Construction waste minimization has caused widespread concerns in research field worldwide. Many literature indicate that the architectural designer should conduct waste minimization design to reduce construction waste to a proper level. Based on questionnaire and interview survey, the study identifies the main factors affecting the minimization level of waste at the design stage. Based on above key factors, with the help of VENSIM system dynamics software, this study builds the conceptual model of design and management for construction waste minimization. The model composes four subsystems, namely architectural design, waste generation, waste disposal, and waste performance assessment. Upon the conceptual model, the research reveals the interaction mechanism of the main factors that affect the level of waste minimization at the design stage, which make architectural designers better understand the impact and significance of the design planning on construction waste minimization. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.