Construction process improvement methodology for construction projects

A methodology developed for construction improvement and waste reduction is presented. This methodology has been successfully applied during the last 3 years to several construction sites in Chile, through consulting services and research studies. The approach includes a set of structured activities and tools that are performed and applied for the identification and evaluation of the problems that produce construction waste, and the causes associated with them. A second stage of the approach corresponds to the development of both short and mid-term solutions in order to act on the factors that produce these problems with the purpose of reducing or eliminating their effects. A summary of the major improvements achieved through the application of this framework is also included to show the potential of this approach, especially in countries where the construction industry is characterized by the low educational level of its workers and the many technological limitations that still pervade some construction sectors, particularly the housing construction sector.