Material flow in construction sites – a case study

The efficient movement of materials at sites in fair quantity at fair time without any interruption is called material flow. Operation and flow of these materials is a challenge experienced in sites today due to material scarcity, delivery delays, inadequate transportation facilities, loss and wastage, insufficient storage space etc. Data on material flows and inventory levels is intended to promote circular economy and resource efficiency in the construction sector. This paper presents a case study in Kerala, India with the purpose to quantify the flow of materials and stocks in the construction site. A questionnaire survey was conducted to find out the main factors that can affect the flow of materials in the building industry. Out of 65 respondents labour, equipment, material, time and cost are identified as the main factors which can contribute towards material flow. Based on the identified parameters, a material flow pathway is developed for the case study. It demonstrates the management of logistics and factors influencing the movement of materials on work sites. It therefore helps in the analysis of factors concerning the efficient use of materials in infrastructure projects. Keywords-material flow, logistics management, material scarcity, infrastructure projects.