Hao, J L J; Tam, V W Y; Yuan, H P; Wang, J Y and Li, J R (2010) Dynamic modeling of construction and demolition waste management processes: An empirical study in Shenzhen, China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(5), pp. 476-492. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose-The aim of this paper is to develop a model based on system dynamics (SD) approach, which integrates three subsystems for simulating construction and demolition (Camp;D) waste management in Shenzhen, Mainland China. Design/methodology/approach-SD approach was first used to construct the model for Camp;D waste management in Shenzhen. The model was then converted for running on computer through the software package "iThink", which was specifically designed for SD modeling. The data required for model simulation was derived through various ways, including literature review, examination of official reports and yearbooks, and questionnaires. After all the parameters in the model were determined, simulation was carried out. Findings-The model proposed in this research can provide an experimental simulation platform to investigate the complexity and interdependencies of factors in managing Camp;D waste in Shenzhen, Mainland China. The simulation results show that the pressing situation of Camp;D waste management in Shenzhen would aggravate if no effective measures were taken to address it during the simulation period. Participants' active participation and cost consideration are the two major factors affecting Camp;D waste reduction. Furthermore, new landfills should be planned to properly handle the Camp;D waste accumulated in Shenzhen over the past few years. Originality/value-Although some studies have been conducted under the topic of Camp;D waste management during the past few years in Shenzhen-how to effectively and efficiently handle the waste is still unsolved. Factors affecting the effectiveness of Camp;D waste management have separately been examined in the previous studies, without considering their interrelations. The SD-based model is developed in this research to investigate the complex and interdependent relationships among these factors. The model can deepen participants' understandings about Camp;D waste management and help explore the major factors affecting the effectiveness of management activities. The measures, which are proposed based on the simulation results, can serve as a valuable reference for planning Camp;D waste management in Shenzhen. All rights reserved.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | China; construction engineering; simulation; waste management |
| Index terms: | landfill, complexity, China, dynamic modelling, waste reduction, waste management, questionnaire, system dynamics, methodology, software package, literature review, construction and demolition, modelling, effectiveness, construction engineering, empirical study, platform |
| Subjects: | sustainability assessment, performance management, software systems, research methods, engineering methods, Geography, digital design, systems engineering, data collection methods, waste management, computing systems, modelling and simulation, data analysis and analytics, analytical methods |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Digital Applications, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here