Modelling design information to evaluate pre-fabricated and pre-cast design solutions for reducing construction waste in high rise residential buildings

This paper describes how modeling information flows in the design process may be used to evaluate design solutions when seeking to reduce construction waste in high rise residential buildings. A survey of practicing designers identified a number of possible ways to reduce construction waste. The most advantageous solutions were based on pre-casting and pre-fabrication. Reviewing three of these solutions using information modeling techniques shows the changes in the design process required to accommodate the different design solutions. This method presents an effective basis for reviewing the impact of design decisions on the design process. To reduce construction waste demands an understanding of the impact of decisions on the level of waste produced, a full understanding of the implications throughout the ‘waste-chain’, consideration of the life-cycle impact, life-cycle costs and the impact of design decisions upon the overall construction process. Additional tools and techniques are required to fully meet the needs of designers.