Site storage 

involves the provision of adequate space, protection and control

for materials, components and equipment that are to be kept on a construction site during
the building process.

There are several factors to be considered when deciding on the amount and nature of storage required.

 Physical properties: The size, shape, weight and mode of delivery.

 Organisation: The planning process to ensure unloading is available and storage space has been
allocated.
 Control: Processes for checking the quality and quantity of materials on delivery,
and monitoring stock holdings.
 Protection: The necessary protection for durable and non-durable materials and components from
damage.
 Security: Guarding against theft and vandalism.
 Costs: Costs associated with handling, transporting and stacking requirements, the workforce
required, heating and/or lighting that may be required, facilities to be provided
for subcontractors, and so on.
 Processing: What needs to be done to materials before they can be used. Is there packaging that
needs to be removed or returned?
 Programme: When are items required, what is the risk to the project of them not being available,
how long in advance are they ordered and how long they will be on site.
 Ownership: Who is legally responsible for items, who will be using them and who owns them?
See Materials on site for more information.

Site allocation

The location and size of space to be allocated should be planned carefully as part of an overall site layout
plan and each site will present its own problems. Failure to adequately plan for storage space can result
in congestion, or having more materials on site than storage space allows for.

The most appropriate position on site in terms of handling, storage and convenience should be

determined. Unloading deliveries should take place in a clearly marked designated area, away from
other site operations, supervised by a competent person.

The distance between storage areas and the area materials are to be used should be reduced as much

as possible to keep the time and cost required to transport them from place to place at a minimum.
Alternatively, storage areas could be positioned within the reach of a tower crane which can then be used
to move materials as required.

Theft

Materials and equipment may need protection from theft and vandalism, particularly when left out in the
open where they have the potential to be removed late at night by opportunistic
thieves. Tradespeople often have heavy duty lockable compartments or vans for storing tools, but where
it is more practical to leave equipment and materials on site, security may need to be provided. This can
be in the form of a lockable fenced compound on site, perhaps with CCTV, alarms and patrols.

Close boarded fences are often used which are similar to hoarding, or chain link fencing with precast
concrete posts, sometimes incorporating a 45° crank which faces out.

Health and safety

There are certain health and safety issues to consider when storing items on site. Items which are
stacked must be stable to ensure they will not fall onto workers. Workers should not climb or walk on top
of materials which are stacked as they could shift and cause them to fall.

Stored items should not block or obstruct escape routes.

The type of material being stored also needs to be taken into account. If it is hazardous, it may require
specific precautions and control measures such as bunds for toxic substances or it may need to be kept
separate from other substances to prevent a reaction.

To reduce the risk of an accident, special containers are required to store hazardous chemicals and
dangerous goods. These types of containers may have special provisions for things like natural
ventilation, special compartments, electrical earthing, and warning signs.

Materials storage

Different types of material will have different storage requirements, in particular depending on whether

they are durable or non-durable.

Bricks

Bricks may be delivered to site loose or strapped in unit loads and stored on timber pallets to be

transported using a forklift. Bricks should be stacked on edge in rows to a maximum height of 2.4 m. It is
important that they are stored on level, well-drained ground and covered with a polythene sheet to protect
against efflorescence and other issues. When calculating the area required for storage, allowance of
around 5 m should be given for the forklift approach.

Blocks

Blocks may be delivered to site loose or strapped in unit loads on timber pallets. They should be stacked

in columns, to a maximum height of 8 courses, and covered with a protective sheet.
Roofing tiles

Tiles may be delivered to site loose, in plastic-wrapped packs or in unit loads on timber pallets. They

should be stacked vertically in rows, to a maximum of 6 in height. The tiles at the end of the row should
be laid flat and staggered. Ridge tiles should be stored vertically on end.

Drainage pipes

These are usually supplied loose or strapped together on timber pallets. They should be stacked

horizontally with ends reversed in alternate rows. A driven-in timber stack or column of loose bricks can
be used to form end restraints.

Corrugated and similar sheet materials

These should be stored flat on a level surface and covered with a protective polythene sheet.

Timber

Timber and other joinery items should be stored horizontally and covered in a scaffold rack, although

provision should be made for free air flow, usually by the rack having open ends and sides, while having a
top that is covered. It is advisable for different timber sizes to be kept separate.

Cement

Since any contact with direct or airborne moisture can cause cement to set, it must be kept dry. In terms
of organisation, it is advisable for a rotational system to be used, whereby the first batch
of cement delivered is the first to be used.

Small quantities of bagged cement should be stacked to a height no more than 1 m, on a raised

dry platform such as a timber pallet. A polythene sheet should be used as cover, with care being made to
ensure that it is weighted down around the edges.

Medium quantities of bagged cement may need to be stored in a watertight and fireproof shed, with

galvanized steel sides and adjustable legs on bearing plates.

Large quantities of loose cement should be stored in a cement storage silo.

Aggregates

It is essential for different aggregate types and sizes to be kept separate. They should be stored on a
clean, hard, free-draining surface, surrounded by retaining and separating walls of bulk timbers.
Stored aggregates should be regularly monitored for moisture content
Environmental Benefits from Recycling
Construction Materials
Recycling construction materials has two main environmental benefits: it saves energy
and it reduces landfill waste.

Energy Savings: Recycling saves large amounts of energy, and in general it

decreases the consumption of natural resources to produce new materials. For
example, if all the concrete and asphalt waste generated annually in the US were
recycled, it would save the energy equivalent of 1 billion gallons of gasoline.

Landfill waste reduction: Landfills are filling up, which means that alternative ways
to manage waste must be developed. Recycled construction waste can be reused as it
is, or turned into something new.

 Recycling eliminates the need to send waste to landfill sites.

 Processing hazardous waste properly minimizes toxic build-up in the
environment.

Economic Benefits of Recycling Construction

Materials
Cost Savings: Recycling and reusing construction materials reduces the cost of
disposal and transportation. Some recycling organizations even charge less compared
with conventional disposal methods. Recycling also reduces the demand for new
resources, which also cuts transportation and production costs.

Green Certifications: Construction companies that recycle materials have a

competitive edge, due to the increasing importance of green building and
environmental conservation. Recycling can help building owners earn points
for LEED certification, which is the most popular green building rating system.
Recyclable Construction Materials
The best way to recycle construction waste is using it in new projects, and there are
many construction materials that can be recycled. The following are some examples:

 Concrete
 Metals
 Asphalt
 Wood and untreated timber
 Glass
 Paper and Cardboard
 Gypsum
 Masonry
 Appliances and fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs
 Windows, doors, and roofing
 Vegetation and trees
 Plastics

Tips for Recycling Construction Materials

Planning

Like any aspect of a project, recycling should be carefully planned before starting.
Organizations such as environmental agencies can help you implement best practices
for your project, while making sure it follows local regulations.

Recycling Regulations

Understanding local waste and landfill rules is necessary before starting any project.
Municipal solid waste departments can provide the necessary information, including
the use of landfills and recycling guidelines.

Using Standard Dimensions

When designing a new building, consider using the standard dimensions of common
materials. This reduces the cutting required, producing less waste during construction,
while also saving time and labor.

Local Recycling Centers

Recycling centers can help you dispose of construction waste, but make sure you
analyze the distances involved. If the center is located far from your project, consider
other alternatives. Waste deliveries to a recycling center can be planned along with
large material purchases and other project activities, saving on transportation.

Recycling centers have rules and regulations; make sure you ask which materials are
accepted and if separation is required.

Deconstruction

Another way to reduce construction waste is with deconstruction, also known as

selective dismantling. There are some organizations that separate construction
materials and reuse them for social housing projects, which provides tax advantages.
Another option for small projects like house renovations is selling the recycled
materials directly.

Estimating Cost Savings

As mentioned before, recycling construction materials is not only beneficial for the
environment. It also opens opportunities for cost savings and higher profits. The
savings from recycling can be tracked as part of your normal accounting process.
Conclusion
Recycling construction materials provides an opportunity to achieve cost savings.
These savings include the cost of new materials, and also transportation and disposal
costs. The use of recycled materials also results in energy savings and reduced carbon
emissions. 

Green building practices are gaining popularity, and many developers are seeking
LEED certification. Recycling and other environmentally sustainable practices can
help earn points under the LEED system

10 Ways Recycled Plastics Are Used in Construction

The construction industry has been with mankind for centuries. From building huts
and pyramids to bridges and skyscrapers, construction work dates back to the BCE
era and is still evolving rapidly today.

While technology continues to grow and expand, so does the demand for
construction. A rise in single-family homes being built in 2017, for example, has
increased the industry’s overall spend to maintain a consistent uptick.

What does this mean for construction workers? Simply put, it means their jobs
aren’t going anywhere. In fact, jobs in construction have consistently been on the
rise since 2011, which can partially be attributed to a strengthening U.S. economy.

Because of this, the construction industry must keep up with a rise in demand as
well as another mandate – going green.
Construction as an Expanding, and Sustainable, Industry
One part of construction that has room for growth is the selection of tools and
resources being used for the job. What some people refer to as going green is what
others call sustainability, or the desire to build materials while preserving both local
resources and the environment as a whole.

 “Green” building designs have made their mark on the construction industry

recently, thanks to a desire for homes and commercial buildings that are more
energy-efficient. Benefits from this efficiency include lower monthly energy costs
and the reduction of carbon footprints.

 Many construction companies have led the way on sustainability – in fact, 9 out
of 10 architects consider sustainability a priority when choosing project products
and materials.

When it comes to selecting materials, workers are looking outside the box to make
smarter choices for their construction sights. Factors such as efficiency, durability
and savings are all taken into consideration.

How Recycled Plastics Directly Benefit the Construction Industry

If companies are looking for construction materials that are efficient, durable and
money-saving, plastics are incredibly promising.

 A one-year study has shown that the energy that comes from using plastics as a
primary construction material is “enough to meet the average annual energy
needs of 4.6 million U.S. households.” That’s the equivalent of all the households
in 11 out of 50 states.

 More staggering news comes from not only using plastics in construction, but
plastics that have been recycled. Not only does this follow the trend of efficient
energy, but it also saves space in landfills and reduces costs to an even lower
level.

 When recycled plastic is blended with virgin plastic, costs can be lowered because
there is a lower amount of brand-new plastic being used and produced. Using
recycled plastic can also help save on the costs of other materials, such as wood
and slate.

As a low-cost alternative to other materials, this type of plastic being salvaged has
brought new life to many industries and companies across the U.S. and around the
world. Below, we’ll dive into more specific examples of how using recycled plastics
has changed the way a number of materials are being produced.

1. Roofing Tiles
A roof is an essential part of a house, so when it comes to home building, there
have been many innovations in roofing methodologies over the years. Using
recycled plastics to build roofing tiles is a great way to resemble other more
expensive materials, while providing the same high-quality you can expect with
materials such as slate.

Other undeniable benefits from recycled plastic roofs include:

 Lighter material
 Easier, quicker installation
 Lower carbon footprint

2. Concrete

Recycled plastics can be used to make

stronger concrete structures in the form of sidewalks, driveways and more.
Students at MIT have recently conducted experiments with recycled plastic by
exposing small amounts of it to gamma radiation, mixing it into a powder and then
mixing that into cement paste.

Doing so can produce concrete that is up to 15% stronger than regular concrete,
allowing this form of construction to be both longer-lasting and more eco-friendly.

3. Indoor Insulation
Insulation is another essential factor in homebuilding and buying because it keeps
your home’s temperature regulated all year-round.
Various insulation companies have begun developing insulation with recycled
plastic inside of it because only a minimum amount of plastic will maximize your
home’s energy efficiency levels.

Additional benefits for insulation from recycled plastics include:

 Easy installation
 Durability
 Long-term energy savings

4. Structural Lumber
Using recycled plastic as the main ingredient in structural lumber as an alternative
to other materials such as steel, comes with indisputable advantages.

By using plastic to make lumber instead of wood, you no longer have to spray wood
with toxic preservatives to protect it from aspects such as insects and weather.
Rather, the polyethylene from recycled plastics does not necessitate such
requirements, and have now been used to make materials like picnic tables and
benches.

5. PVC Windows

PVC windows  have grown in popularity

because they are easy to design and can adapt to many varying styles. A bonus is
that because they are made primarily from plastics, the frames are 100%
recyclable. Other benefits include:

 Longer lifetime (up to 40 years)

 Surplus of production material
 Same insulation quality as regular plastic
6. Bricks
Bricks are a stable material to build a home with, and more and more companies
are embracing the idea of building bricks with recycled plastic.

Recycled bricks can be put together in a LEGO-like way, making a home’s building
time much quicker than it would be with traditional brick. This plastic product can
also be fire-resistant, is cheaper, and, of course, is more eco-friendly.

7. Fences
Another part of a home-building journey may include fencing in a backyard or
adding a white picket fence to your front yard. Homeowners can prioritize
sustainability by designing fences from recycled plastic.

Additional advantages of building fences with recycled plastic are:

 Longevity (can be exposed to many weather elements without rotting)

 Durability
 No need for paint (color can be added in during recycling process)

8. Floor Tiles

The floor covering in your house is one of

the most essential aspects in creating your dream home, and it has become more
common to utilize floor tiles that contain recycled plastics.

Some of their benefits include:

 Easy installation process

 Easy to clean
 Quiet and warm
  Affordable

9. Carpeting
Along with floor tiles, your comfy carpet is very important to your home. Oddly
enough, the water bottle you drank from this morning could wind up recycled into
some of the best carpets out there.

Homeowners are installing these carpets made from recycled materials because
they are more stain resistant and color fast. Also, recycling your carpet after years
of use provides plastics with another way to be incorporated into more products.

10. Ceiling Tiles

Are you still looking to add more value to your home? Utilizing recycled plastic
ceiling tiles is a great way to do it. Since plastic is easy to work with, the installation
process is quite simple.

Some other pros include:

 Low maintenance (no painting, varnishing, or additional coats required once

installed)
 Long lasting
 Affordable
 Great insulation material