Beyond Site Material Handling and Transportation in Large-Scale Construction Projects

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 large-scale 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 computer-based 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.