New hybrid simulation model for urban construction waste management: an empirical study

Abstract

China faces rapid urbanisation at present, which would lead to exponential increment in construction waste (CW) generation. CW management (CWM) therefore has become essential. Urban CWM depends on various policies, laws and micro- and macro-factors. This research study aims to propose a new hybrid simulation model for carrying out an in-depth analysis of urban CWM. The proposed hybrid simulation model integrates agent-based modelling, system dynamics and discrete-event simulation. The lean construction (LC) theory is also considered for source reduction in waste generation. This research study obtained waste-generation data from 51 newly built residential houses in Shenzhen, China. Researchers longitudinally compared waste management from two different processes of LC and traditional construction under the benchmark policy using the hybrid model. The simulation results show that the average landfill time of the LC waste-treatment process is about 17% shorter than that of traditional construction. Further, the treatment cost saves approximately US$56 100 and then additionally generates environmental benefits worth approximately US$0.429 million. This study reveals the dynamic principle through hybrid simulation, which provides scientific guides for relevant management departments or enterprises to control CW, design corresponding control measures and reduce illegal dumping.