Assessing the application of Lean Techniques for Building Materials Waste Minimisation in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Lean construction techniques have been known globally as a production system with a high capacity of waste minimisation. However, previous studies reveal the dearth of effective strategies for application of the lean techniques in material waste minimisation for building projects in Nigeria. This research assessed the strategies for application of lean techniques in material waste minimisation of building projects in Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey design approach using quantitative data. Data were purposively collected through well-structured questionnaire administered to 240 respondents, including, project managers, contractors, heads of waste management departments of 80-active building construction sites that are practicing lean within Abuja. A total of 189 questionnaires were retrieved from the 240 administered. The collected data were analysed using descriptive methods, including Mean Item Score (MIS) and Relative Importance Index (RII). The study revealed that the important lean techniques for material waste minimisation in building projects were: visual management; plan for waste disposal management; plan for space utilisation management, optimise value/value identification, good supply chain management, and visual management, with average RII values of 0.78. The lean techniques advanced in this study were all considered important in material waste minimisation. The study concluded that creation of lean awareness programs; efficient training and education of construction personnel on lean techniques; just in time operations; and provision of management supports for lean implementation in waste minimisation, are the key strategies for applying lean techniques in material waste minimisation. It was recommended that effective application of the lean techniques and these strategies would translate into a drastic reduction in the quantity of material waste generation in building projects.