Waste-Based Management of Steel Reinforcement Cutting in Construction Projects
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 147, Issue 7
Abstract
Waste optimization models are vital to reduce the trim loss in the cutting process of steel reinforcement. Unfortunately, waste minimization is frequently considered as a pure mathematical problem, which is solved apart from the project management context. This perspective creates a gap between the models and their application, and ignores field aspects, which are not less important than developing robust models. This study empirically demonstrates managing the cutting process with optimization models considering three field variables: merging sequential demands, multiple stock lengths, and usable leftovers. Adjusting the variables generated different cutting scenarios and wastes, which were examined in a sensitivity analysis of a huge case study with 136 optimization problems. The sensitivity analysis frames a new concept for managing the cutting process in construction projects based on the waste. Minimizing the cutting waste becomes the primary criteria in production planning at the project level instead of minimizing the cutting waste for independent activities. The systematic framework revealed a distinct performance over the conventional method. The cutting waste of the case study was reduced by more than 70%.
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Data Availability Statement
Some data and codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. This includes MATLAB codes, demands details, and the results of optimization models.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 147 • Issue 7 • July 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Jul 16, 2020
Accepted: Dec 22, 2020
Published online: Apr 20, 2021
Published in print: Jul 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Sep 20, 2021
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