CONTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL WASTAGE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES TO COST OVERRUN IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE; AN ON-SITE QUANTIFICATION OF WASTE.

Abstract

On building projects, material waste can result in cost overruns. Surveys are the primary source of data used in research to demonstrate how much material waste contributes to cost overruns on building sites. However, the precise contribution has not yet been determined. This article's goal is to present the findings of an impartial investigation of how material waste contributes to project cost overruns. The study pays particular attention to selected materials, attempting to compute the quantity wasted and the contribution of the waste to cost overrun. The researchers used five carefully chosen sites in Markurdi, Benue state, and six building materials—sandcrete block, cement, reinforcement bars, roofing sheets, timber, and tiles—that account for the majority of building material expenses. Based on this, it was possible to ascertain the waste of materials and its percentage contribution to cost overrun on the various sites and compute the average wastes of the materials on all sites. Results revealed that roofing sheet has the highest average percentage waste with 6.43% followed by 5.37% for tiles, 4.77% for timber, 4.14% for reinforcement bars, 3.96% for cement and 1.6% for Sandcrete block. Material waste on site was attributed to worker’s mistake, Poor material handling, Improper storing of materials and Changes in design. The study recommends that construction professionals should be well-informed about the implications of material waste contributions to project cost overruns.