Index of site congestion for effective material storage at construction site

Abstract

A project construction requires efficient management of materials storage. Systematic material storage ensures that the workflow of construction works is according to the schedule. Limited material storage will cause congestion at a construction site. The objective of this study is to generate a congestion index of construction for the material storage based on the congestion features and project site area. The survey questionnaire and site surveys methods were used in this study. The congestion index for the survey questionnaire was tested against 12 site congestion characteristics using Relative Important Index (RII). Site surveys have been carried out on 16 strata-type residential projects by identifying the total site area for calculation of congestion index using formula Non-Building Coverage Ratio (NBCR). The results showed that the congestion with the highest index of 0.8557 was a delay or change in the production schedule of the materials. The results of the site surveys have revealed that there are three sites with high levels of congestion with a range of less than 0.5. In conclusion, knowing the site congestion index can efficiently analyse site management strategies, including the management of material storage. Also, material management can create a more organised site schedule.