DESIGN APPROACHES TO PREVENT/REDUCE CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE GENERATED THROUGH THE USAGE PHASE OF BUILDINGS

Abstract

Waste is one of the most pressing problems of the twenty-first century in Turkey and the world. The construction sector is an important part of this problem, since buildings generate significant amounts of waste during construction, usage and deconstruction/demolition phases. The longest phase in a building's lifespan is the period of its usage, which may involve enlarging, dismantling or remodeling the building. These modifications during the usage phase may result from the failure to determine the needs of the user accurately during the design phase, and range from the physical deterioration of products to changing needs, users, functions, requirements or tastes. These changes generate waste from construction materials. To prevent/reduce this waste stream, the factors that cause waste during the usage phase need to be examined in detail. Design desicions for preventing/reducing waste production at the design phase can thus be developed.