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ISSN: 3005-8198 (online) | 3005-818X (print)
Volume 4, Issue 1 (January - March 2026) Pages 1-11
Research Article
Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture (DiSt), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy.
The construction sector exerts a substantial influence on humanity’s ecological footprint, underscoring the imperative to adopt circular economy principles in building practices and materials to mitigate environmental degradation. The circular economy is a system that aims to optimize resource use and minimize waste by repurposing waste materials and reducing the amount of residual waste. In the field of construction, there is an increasing prevalence of the use of recycled materials, including rubber, plastic, aggregates, wood, and rock wool, in the fabrication of novel, sustainable products. The present study focuses on the utilization of recycled rubber from tires as an aggregate in sustainable mortars for reinforcing existing masonry structures. The research commences with an analysis of sustainable development challenges, followed by a review and comparison of studies that incorporate rubber granules and steel fibers into mortar mixes. The study’s workflow is delineated into three primary phases. In the initial phase, experimental work is conducted by preparing control specimens devoid of rubber, specimens with varying amounts of rubber, and specimens that incorporate steel fibers into rubber-enhanced mortar. These samples are subsequently subjected to rigorous laboratory testing to assess their physical and mechanical parameters. These parameters include, but are not limited to, density, flexural and compressive strength, and surface hardness. The subsequent phase involves the analysis of these results to ascertain the optimal sustainable mortar mix design. In the third phase, findings are applied in practice: a mortar incorporating steel fibers and granulated rubber recovered from discarded tires is employed for the structural strengthening of the “G. Mazza” school in Torre del Greco, Naples, with the aim of enhancing seismic resilience.
Keywords: Recycled Tire Rubber; Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Mortar; Masonry Retrofitting; Seismic Strengthening; Circular Economy; Sustainable Construction.
The construction industry is a colossal presence on the global industrial landscape, yet it concurrently stands as a significant contributor to humanity’s ecological footprint. The extraction of raw materials (e.g., sand, gravel, crushed rock), the energy and carbon costs of cement production, and the generation of construction and demolition waste all contribute substantially to environmental degradation. In this context, sustainable building practices and alternative materials are increasingly regarded as strategic methods to mitigate environmental impact. A particularly salient model is the circular economy, which prioritizes the continued utilization of materials, the extraction of optimal value from them, and the recovery and regeneration of products and materials at the conclusion of their service life. The circular economy is predicated on the transformation of waste into resources, thereby offering a systemic approach to reducing both raw-material consumption and waste generation (Prieto-Sandoval et al., 2017; Zvirgzdins et al., 2019). Conventional construction methodologies have predominantly adhered to a linear paradigm, characterized by the sequential processes of extraction, manufacturing, construction, demolition, and final disposal in landfills. This model is becoming increasingly unsustainable in light of the finite nature of natural resources and the increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In the domain of construction, this predicament gives rise to a multitude of challenges, including the mitigation of extraction of virgin aggregates and minerals, the reduction of embodied carbon in cementitious materials, the conceptualization of structures and materials intended for disassembly, reuse, and recycling, and the incorporation of waste streams as secondary raw materials. The circular-economy vision is especially relevant when applied to construction materials, since the potential leverage is high both in material volume and environmental impact (Buruzs & Kozma, 2023; Papamichael et al., 2023; Purchase et al., 2021).
Among the various types of waste materials that have been investigated for their potential as construction materials, end-of-life tires (along with the rubber, steel cord, and polymer fibers they contain) have demonstrated particular promise. On the one hand, tires constitute an expanding environmental liability due to their recalcitrance in the face of biodegradation, their capacity to occupy landfill space, their potential to ignite fires, and their representation of a wasted resource. Conversely, tire-derived components are available in substantial quantities and possess physical, mechanical, and durability characteristics that can be leveraged in cementitious composites. Indeed, studies have indicated that over 500,000 tons of high-quality steel fibers could be recovered annually from used tires in the EU, underscoring both the opportunity and the scale of this endeavor (Pilakoutas et al., 2004).
Preliminary studies demonstrate that the incorporation of recycled rubber as an aggregate in construction enhances material flexibility and impact resistance, though it may concomitantly result in a slight reduction in compressive and flexural strengths (Bravo & de Brito, 2012). Research on rubberized mortars indicates that rubber granules improve ductility and energy dissipation, making them well-suited for reinforcement purposes (Youssf, ElGawady, et al., 2016; Youssf, Mills, et al., 2016). The addition of 0.5–1% rubber by volume to concrete has been demonstrated to enhance the ductility of reinforced concrete columns, thereby increasing their resilience under seismic loads (Son et al., 2011). Moreover, the incorporation of recycled rubber as a substitute for aggregate has been shown to enhance the durability of the material (Bušić et al., 2018). Conversely, the incorporation of varying rubber contents within concrete has been observed to diminish mechanical performance, evidenced by a decline in tensile and flexural strengths by approximately 13% and 21%, respectively, and a substantial reduction in modulus of elasticity by about 24% at moderate rubber contents. It has been demonstrated that the presence of rubber in excess of 5% invariably results in a deterioration of the mixture’s integrity. Conversely, the addition of rubber has been shown to enhance ductility by up to 86% when the content reaches 12%. Consequently, the majority of studies advocate for the restriction of rubber content to 0–5% as fiber or 0–10% as aggregate replacement, with the objective of preserving acceptable strength while concurrently enhancing ductility (Kilani et al., 2024). The incorporation of waste rubber into concrete and cement mortar has been shown to offer several advantages, including reduced weight and enhanced thermal insulation. However, the optimal balance between these benefits and the potential reduction in mechanical performance, contingent on the specific application, remains a subject of ongoing research (Marinelli et al., 2023).
Concurrently, the steel fibers that persist in tires, particularly the steel cord or bead, constitute an additional underutilized resource in the circular economy for construction. A multitude of studies have demonstrated that steel fibers, derived from waste tires, can offer substantial enhancements in tensile strength, fracture resistance, crack bridging, impact resistance, and post-cracking behavior when incorporated into concrete or mortar. Consequently, the incorporation of recycled steel fibers has been demonstrated to counterbalance the conventional compressive strength reductions that are concomitant with rubber inclusion (see Aiello et al., 2009; Awolusi et al., 2019; Centonze et al., 2012). Indeed, a study by Zia et al. (2022) revealed that incorporating recycled steel fibers into mortars can yield substantial enhancements in various mechanical properties. The study reported up to a 46% increase in compressive strength, a 50.6% increase in split tensile strength, and a notable 69% increase in flexural strength, when compared to traditional mortars. Research has demonstrated that recycled tire steel fibers exhibit superior adhesion to the cement matrix in comparison to conventional industrial steel fibers, indicating a significant potential for structural applications (Michalik et al., 2023).
Consequently, the dual usage of rubber for aggregate replacement and recycled steel fibers offers a method to develop composite mortars with enhanced structural resilience, while concurrently delivering sustainability benefits via the circular economy (Abdolpour et al., 2022; Tang et al., 2021).
In this framework, the present study investigates the potential of recycled rubber from tires as an aggregate in mortars for reinforcing existing masonry structures. The objective of the research is to develop a composite mortar mix that aligns with sustainability goals while enhancing structural resilience by combining rubber and steel fibers. The practical effectiveness of this research was demonstrated through the structural retrofitting of a masonry school building located in Southern Italy.
The research was methodically executed in three phases to develop and evaluate an eco-sustainable mortar for structural reinforcement by incorporating recycled rubber tires and steel fibers. The initial two phases encompassed the experimental campaign and the selection of an optimal mix design, which was subsequently implemented on a real-world masonry structure in phase three. The subsequent section delineates the fundamental material properties and testing methodologies employed in the experimental investigation.
The eco-sustainable mortar was designed by incorporating granulated rubber and steel fibers in a traditional cementitious mortar. The traditional mortar is composed of Portland cement, sand, and water. The primary materials utilized in the construction of the concrete mixture are a cement classified as CEM II/B-L 32.5 N according to the EN/197-1 standard and river sand. The utilization of these additives, derived from decommissioned tires, facilitates the transition towards a circular economy model while concomitantly reducing the environmental impact of the intervention. The rubber was subjected to a process of mechanical granulation, resulting in the formation of crumb-like particles. This procedure was implemented to ensure the uniformity of its physical properties. Among the produced batches, only the granules having 1 mm and 4 mm diameter were selected for further analysis (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Recycled Rubber from Tires: 4 mm (A) and 1 mm (B) Granules.
Two types of steel fibers were utilized in the study: The first type of steel fiber is produced via cold-drawing, and its ends are deformed with the specific design to improve the mechanical bond with the cement paste. The second type of steel fiber is derived from recycled materials, specifically from the metallic components of end-of-life tires, such as steel belts and cords encapsulated inside the tire structure. The recycling process entailed the extraction, cleaning, and cutting of these steel fibers to ensure a longitudinal dimension that closely approximates that of the standard commercial fibers. To ensure consistency, recycled steel fibers with lengths of approximately 20 mm were selected, equivalent to the lengths of the commercial fibers (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Steel Fibers: Commercial (a) and Recycled (b).
A total of twelve distinct mortar mixes were formulated by varying the incorporation of rubber particles and steel fibers. Furthermore, an unmodified mortar was prepared to serve as a baseline for comparison, allowing the evaluation of how these inclusions influence both mechanical performance and physical characteristics. Rubber crumbs were utilized as a volumetric substitute for fine aggregate at replacement ratios of 5% and 10%. The incorporation of steel fibers was executed at a constant fraction of 0.5% relative to the total mix volume. The proportion of sand to cement was maintained constant for all mixtures, with the only variation being the partial substitution of sand with rubber. Consequently, the proportion of water to cement remained constant across all formulations.
To ensure adequate consistency, the water-to-cement ratio of the reference mortar was increased from the conventional value of 0.5 to 0.7. Accordingly, the control mixture consisted of 315 g of water, 450 g of cement, and 1,350 g of sand. A thorough delineation of the mix identification and constituent materials is furnished in Table 1. In the subsequent sections of this study, the baseline mixture that does not contain rubber particles or fiber reinforcement is referred to as “CNTL.”
The investigated mixtures are designated using a nomenclature that indicates the additional components relative to the control mix, followed by the percentage of rubber content. Specifically, the code R4 denotes rubber granules with a mean diameter of 4 millimeters, while R1 indicates rubber granules with a mean diameter of 1 millimeter. The code “CF” is used to denote commercial steel fibers, while “RF” indicates the use of recycled steel fibers.
| Mixture Code | Rubber Particle Size (mm) | Rubber Replacement Ratio (% vol.) | Fiber type | Fiber Volume Fraction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNTL | - | - | - | - |
| R4_5% | 4 mm | 5% | - | - |
| R4_10% | 4 mm | 10% | - | - |
| R1_5% | 1 mm | 5% | - | - |
| R1_10% | 1 mm | 10% | - | - |
| CF+R4_5% | 4 mm | 5% | Commercial | 0.5% |
| CF+R4_10% | 4 mm | 10% | Commercial | 0.5% |
| CF+R1_5% | 1 mm | 5% | Commercial | 0.5% |
| CF+R1_10% | 1 mm | 10% | Commercial | 0.5% |
| RF+R4_5% | 4 mm | 5% | Recycled | 0.5% |
| RF+R4_10% | 4 mm | 10% | Recycled | 0.5% |
| RF+R1_5% | 1 mm | 5% | Recycled | 0.5% |
| RF+R1_10% | 1 mm | 10% | Recycled | 0.5% |
The physical characterization of the mortar was conducted to evaluate the bulk density of the fresh mortar. The method employed in this study was guided by the principles outlined in the UNI-EN 1015-6:1999 standard (EN 1015-6, 1999). For the test, a 361 ml container was weighed in a state of emptiness, dryness, and cleanliness to ascertain its mass, designated as M1. The container was subsequently filled with mortar in two stages involving manual consolidation followed by levelling. The full container was weighed to determine the mass, M2. The bulk density was determined by calculating the ratio between the mortar weight (M2 – M1) and the container volume (Vv).
Specimens’ Manufacturing
The mechanical investigation was conducted on three specimens, with dimensions of 40 x 40 x 160 mm, for each mix design. The mixtures were prepared in accordance with the procedure delineated in the EN 196-1:2019 standard (EN 196-1, 2019) employing a planetary mixer. During specimen preparation, the mold was filled in two stages, with each layer being compacted and levelled.
Subsequently, the specimens were stored within a humid chamber maintained at a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 95% until the mechanical tests were conducted. As illustrated in Figure 3, the specimen manufacturing process is comprised of several distinct phases.
Figure 3. Specimens’ Manufacturing: Mixture with Rubber and Commercial Steel Fibres (a), Filled Molds (b), Curing Phase (c).
Shore Hardness Test
The initial mechanical evaluation of the specimens involved the assessment of surface hardness following a curing period of 7 and 28 days, prior to the execution of the bending and compression tests, respectively. The test was conducted on two longitudinal faces of the samples using a Shore durometer, applying a perpendicular force at five points on each face. Subsequently, the surface hardness was evaluated by calculating the arithmetic mean of the measured values.
Bending and Compression Test
Subsequently, bending and compression tests were conducted on the prismatic specimens after 7 and 28 days of curing. The initial evaluation was conducted using a three-point bending test on 40 x 40 x 160 mm specimens. Subsequent to the occurrence of bending failure in the mortar, the two halves of the specimens were utilized for the compressive strength test, which was conducted using a 40 x 40 mm loading plate. The execution of these mechanical tests is depicted in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Shore Hardness (a), Three-Point Bending (b) and Compression (c) Tests.
The distribution of responses by specific specialization and working experience offers valuable insights regarding the workforce in the construction sector and its attitude toward waste management issues. The contractors constitute a minority of the sample, representing 28.6% of the total. Conversely, the responders in the engineering category comprise the largest group, with 42.2% of the sample. Consequently, engineers are likely to be involved in construction waste management studies, as they are the principal technical and supervisory professionals on the construction site (Table 1). Among the respondents who contributed to this project, 20.3% are project managers, and 9.4% are quantity surveyors, which evidences a high level of management and financial input here. This finding aligns with the observations made by Oyewole (2022), who acknowledged the significance of multidisciplinary contributions in reducing construction waste.
With regard to work experience, quantitative data underscores the depth and breadth of respondents’ practical experience. The largest group (40.6%) has 11–15 years of experience; thus, the subjects of the study can be referred to as mid-career employees with further practical experience. This level of experience is crucial, as experts in this category must have observed changes in waste management practices over time. Consequently, they are better positioned to offer reasonable information (Emeka, 2019). However, a couple of more unconventional positions are represented by respondents with 1-5 years of experience (26.6%) and 16-20 years of experience (18.8%). These findings align with the observations of previous researchers who emphasized that diversity in experience fosters comprehension of issues within the construction industry, such as waste management and operation optimization.
| Factors | Frequency | Percent (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty | ||
| Contractors | 37 | 28.6 |
| Engineers | 54 | 42.2 |
| Project Managers | 26 | 20.3 |
| Quantity Surveyors | 12 | 9.4 |
| Work Experience (years) | ||
| 1 - 5 years | 34 | 26.6 |
| 11 - 15 years | 52 | 40.6 |
| 16 - 20 years | 24 | 18.8 |
| 6 - 10 years | 19 | 14.8 |
The mean scores pertaining to the factors that contribute to construction waste generation in Abuja are presented in Table 2. The findings indicate that the most severe problems were the improper disposal of waste and inadequate site supervision, with mean values of 4.39 and 4.03, respectively. Consequently, these results suggest a significant absence of research on contemporary management practices, a finding that aligns with the observations reported by Oyewole (2022) and Yuan et al. (2018). These researchers proposed the enhancement of human resource training and the implementation of a quality management system. While the substandard management and storage of materials have been identified as a contributing factor to the mean score of 4.57, it is equally evident that the quality assurance in the management of waste poses a substantial threat. In addition, as supported by the findings of Emeka (2019) and Meye et al. (2022), it can be posited that quality control plays a pivotal role in enhancing effectiveness and establishing sustainability.
Furthermore, the results of the study indicate that technical factors, including frequent design changes (mean score=2.65), inexperienced designers (mean score=2.53), and poor design quality (mean score=2.03), contributed significantly to construction waste accumulation. However, these factors were comparatively minor contributors. This phenomenon aligns with the findings of Abdullahi et al. (2019), who determined that the challenges encountered in construction projects are predominantly design-related. The comparatively low mean scores for worker-related factors, including inadequate training, suggest that while these factors contribute to waste, they are not as significant an issue as management-related factors. Consequently, there is an imperative to address the skills gap and enhance the training of workers to improve quality management and reduce waste, which is regarded as a pivotal culture to be adopted by industry players (Ahaotu & Pathirage, 2015). The findings of this study underscore the necessity for the development of programs that effectively integrate management and technical solutions. These initiatives are crucial in reducing the volume of waste and addressing the escalating unsustainable practices within the construction industry in Nigeria.
| Waste Causative Factors | Mean |
|---|---|
| Technical Factors | |
| Frequent design changes | 2.65 |
| Complicated design | 2.02 |
| Inexperience designer | 2.53 |
| Poor design quality | 2.03 |
| Management Factors | |
| Poor site condition | 3.70 |
| Non-availability of equipment | 3.36 |
| Lack of waste management | 4.39 |
| Poor supervision/ Poor site management | 4.03 |
| Reworks Due to Errors | 4.02 |
| Workers Factors | |
| Waste resulting from packaging and leftover from cutting and shaping | 3.88 |
| Poor Materials Handling and Storage | 4.57 |
| Damage caused by workers and Workers' mistakes during construction | 2.64 |
| Insufficient training for workers | 1.85 |
| Shortage of skilled workers and Lack of experience | 2.08 |
| External Factors | |
| Accidents | 3.67 |
| Effect of weather | 3.31 |
| High level of Vandalism | 2.09 |
The subsequent correlation analysis revealed the relationships between different design-related factors that contribute to construction waste (Table 3). A high frequency of changes has been shown to have a modest yet significant positive relationship with complicated design (r = 0.181, p = 0.041). This suggests that an increase in design change frequency is associated with a slight increase in design complexity. This finding aligns with the observations reported by Yuan et al. (2018), who noted that alterations to existing designs tend to result in increased complexity. This relationship is particularly pronounced in cases where design complexity is low, as it corresponds to a lower level of inexperience. This observation aligns with the findings reported in the study by Meye et al. (2022), which indicated that designers with greater experience exhibited a higher proficiency in handling multiple designs, resulting in a reduction in construction waste within the built environment. The relationship between inexperience and designers’ design quality (r = 0.190, p = 0.031) suggests that inexperienced designers are more likely to produce low-quality designs, as indicated by Meye et al. (2022). This finding lends further support to the paper’s argument that design quality is positively influenced by experience. However, as demonstrated in the following scatter plot, there was no strong correlation between poor design quality and frequent design changes (r = 0.099, p = 0.265). This suggests that other factors, independent of design quality, may have been responsible for the observed design changes. In a similar vein, Emeka (2019) underscored the significance of extraneous pressures and dynamics of a project, such as quality control, influencing outcomes. Consequently, enhancing experience levels and reducing design complications could mitigate construction waste to a considerable extent.
| Frequent Design Changes | Complexified Design | Inexperience Designer | Poor Design Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequent Design Changes | 1 | .181* | 0.04 | 0.099 |
| 0.041 | 0.655 | |||
| 129 | 129 | 129 | 129 | |
| Complexified Design | .181* | 1 | -.254* | -0.084 |
| 0.041 | 0.004 | 0.344 | ||
| 129 | 129 | 129 | 129 | |
| Inexperience Designer | 0.04 | -.254* | 1 | .190* |
| 0.655 | 0.004 | 0.031 | ||
| 129 | 129 | 129 | 129 | |
| Poor Design Quality | 0.099 | -0.084 | .190* | 1 |
| 0.262 | 0.344 | 0.031 | ||
| 129 | 129 | 129 | 129 |
*Indicate significant correlation; p≤0.05 is considered statistically significant
Assessment and Ranking of Waste Causative Factors Using the Relative Importance Index (RII) Method
The inefficiencies attributed to internal management and the workers are viewed to be the primary causes of construction waste (Table 4). The receipt and storage of materials was identified as the most impactful factor, with a rating of 93.80%, consistent with the findings of Emeka (2019) and Meye et al. (2022). These studies concluded that inadequate material management contributes significantly to waste generation. Additional factors, including insufficient waste management (84.50%) and reworks due to errors (73.64%), were identified and exhibited high, consistent frequencies, aligning with the observations of Oyewole (2022). The necessity for enhancing quality control measures to address these issues was also emphasized.
Conversely, technical aspects such as complex design received 7.75%, while poor quality of design received an equivalent percentage; this is quite surprising given that literature has demonstrated technical factors to be the primary cause of construction inefficiency (Yuan et al., 2018). Conversely, vandalism was regarded as a less significant concern, with 5.43% of respondents identifying it as a problem. This is followed by inadequate worker training, which was cited by 3.88% of respondents. These external factors were deemed less crucial for the generation of waste compared to internal management practices and employees’ performance. This finding suggests the necessity for an increased focus on internal processes with the aim of reducing superfluous expenditures.
| Waste Causative Factors | Strongly Agree | Agree | Neutral | Disagree | Strongly Disagree | Percentage (%) | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Factors | |||||||
| Frequent design changes | 14 | 21 | 22 | 50 | 22 | 27.13% | 11 |
| Complicated design | 4 | 6 | 18 | 61 | 40 | 7.75% | 14 |
| Inexperience designer | 13 | 17 | 18 | 58 | 23 | 23.26% | 12 |
| Poor design quality | 4 | 6 | 21 | 57 | 41 | 7.75% | 14 |
| Management Factors | |||||||
| Poor site condition | 49 | 35 | 10 | 27 | 8 | 65.12% | 6 |
| Non-availability of equipment | 41 | 26 | 15 | 32 | 15 | 51.94% | 9 |
| Lack of waste management | 84 | 25 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 84.50% | 2 |
| Poor supervision/ Poor site management | 67 | 27 | 10 | 22 | 3 | 72.87% | 4 |
| Reworks Due to Errors | 68 | 27 | 8 | 20 | 6 | 73.64% | 3 |
| Workers Factors | |||||||
| Waste resulting from packaging and leftover from cutting and shaping | 61 | 27 | 9 | 28 | 4 | 68.22% | 5 |
| Poor Materials Handling and Storage | 84 | 37 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 93.80% | 1 |
| Damage caused by workers and Workers' mistakes during construction | 23 | 17 | 6 | 57 | 26 | 31.01% | 10 |
| Insufficient training for workers | 2 | 3 | 9 | 75 | 40 | 3.88% | 17 |
| Shortage of skilled workers and Lack of experience | 6 | 8 | 8 | 75 | 32 | 10.85% | 13 |
| External Factors | |||||||
| Accidents | 58 | 20 | 11 | 30 | 10 | 60.47% | 7 |
| Effect of weather | 38 | 34 | 8 | 28 | 21 | 55.81% | 8 |
| High level of Vandalism | 2 | 5 | 19 | 80 | 23 | 5.43% | 16 |
The findings from this study underscore the significant impact of quality management practices on addressing construction waste within the built environment, as perceived by consultants involved in construction projects in DADA Construction Services Limited, GILMOR Construction Company, and Federal Road Maintenance Agency FERMA alongside other construction firms in F.C.T., Abuja, Nigeria. The consensus among consultants is that quality management plays a pivotal role in reducing waste. The Consultants’ perception of this system extends beyond a mere mechanism for ensuring compliance, but rather as a proactive approach to minimize errors, optimize resources, and cultivate a culture of efficiency within the context of construction projects. The Consultants further underscore the imperative of integrating sustainability principles within quality management frameworks.
Furthermore, the Consultants posit that an environmentally conscious approach, coupled with stringent quality controls, is fundamental to achieving a sustainable built environment by curbing wasteful practices. The consultants identified several challenges, including resistance to change, cost implications, and inadequate stakeholder awareness. However, the Consultants also identified opportunities for enhancement, including the adoption of innovative technologies, collaborative partnerships, and enhanced training programs. The Consultants advocated for ongoing evaluation, adaptation to evolving standards, and the incorporation of best practices to further enhance waste reduction efforts in construction projects. The consultants’ perspectives affirm the critical nexus between quality management and construction waste reduction, providing valuable recommendations for fostering a sustainable built environment. Their insights provide a foundational framework for stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that effectively leverage quality management practices in minimizing construction waste. This, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable and resilient built environment for future generations. Finally, the research underscores the foundational principles delineated in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, accentuating the integration of quality and environmental management systems. Consultants acknowledge the pivotal role of these standards in orienting their practices towards waste reduction and sustainable development objectives.
Therefore, it is recommended that consultants engage in policy advocacy, recommending incentives or regulations that incentivize or enforce the adoption of quality management practices for waste reduction in the construction industry. Furthermore, Consultants are encouraged to explore and adopt innovative technologies (e.g., Building Information Modeling – BIM) that streamline processes and minimize material waste during construction. Additionally, Consultants are encouraged to establish performance metrics and indicators to monitor the effectiveness of quality management initiatives in waste reduction.
I.O.O: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing of the original draft, Writing – review & editing, Visualization, Supervision.
B.S.S: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Investigation, Data curation, Writing of the original draft.
A.D.M: Validation, Writing – review & editing, Project administration.
A.D: Writing – review & editing, Project administration.
A.A: Writing – review & editing, Project administration.
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
No generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used in the preparation of this manuscript.
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
The authors declare that there is no acknowledgement to be made.
This study did not involve human participants or animals; hence, no ethical approval was required.
Cite: Obianyo, I. I., Shehu, B. S., Mambo, A. D., Dayyabu, A., & Amuda, A. (2025). Quality Management as a Tool to Minimize Construction Waste Towards a Sustainable Built Environment: The Consultants’ Perspective. Steps For Civil, Constructions and Environmental Engineering, 3(4), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.61706/sccee12011248
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