Improving Construction Logistics: a case study of residential building project

Abstract: This study concerns logistics at the construction projects. Most construction projects suffer from unnecessary activities on site which indicates the need for improving construction logistics. Hence the purpose of this paper was to investigate, through site observations and interviews, the current logistics situation on the construction site and to suggest possible solution for improving construction logistics. The main focus of this study was on material deliveries and time that craftsmen spend on handling materials. The thesis concludes that skilled craftsmen are transporting the third part of all incoming interior materials by their selves. Due to poor logistics planning workers are also doing lots of rework and extra work. The study showed that, by implementing other logistics solutions, it is possible to reduce the production costs by 65 SEK/m2 of living area and also to shorten the production time by 3.3%.    The study actualizes the importance of construction logistics which is often underestimated. The study also showed what consequences ineffective logistics solution could have on the construction project. While, on the opposite, proper logistics planning gives benefits to the project.