Material management within confined construction sites

The objective of this paper is to identify various managerial issues encountered and resulting strategies adopted, with regards management of materials on confined construction site. This is achieved through classifying the various managerial burdens encountered with the numerous strategies adopted, for the successful management of such confined environments within the realm of materials management. Through conducting an extensive literature review and detailed interviews, a comprehensive insight into the materials management concerns within a confined construction site environment is envisaged and portrayed. The following are the leading issues highlighted; (1) Lack of adequate storage space, (2) Work place becoming over-crowded, (3) Lack of adequate room for the effective handling of materials and (4) Difficult to transport materials around site. The leading managerial strategies to the management of materials on confined construction sites may be listed in order of importance, as follows; (1) Pre-fabrication and pre-assembly, (2) Providing adequate storage, (3) Space scheduling, (4) Just-In-Time delivery techniques, and (5) Effective design site layout. Based on the research conducted, it can be concluded, that through effective management of the issues identified along with implementing the various strategies highlighted; successful materials management within a confined construction site environment is attainable. Innovative Aspect of Paper: An empirical study of three different construction sites in three different countries (Ireland, England and USA) investigating the managerial issues and strategies relating to implementation of materials management in confined construction sites.