34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) - Singapore, Singapore - 2026

https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0169

Digital optimization for green construction – reducing rebar waste and carbon emission

Yura Muhammad Rizaldi1, Akbar Ashari2, Adi Permadi3, Bayu Anggoro Putro4, Aminullah Thalib5 & Anang Wirdianto6

1Junior Expert, Strategic Project Management Department, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., Jakarta, Indonesia, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0004-8184-2003
2Expert 1, Strategic Project Management Department, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., Jakarta, Indonesia, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0009-4036-8313
3Junior Expert, Strategic Project Management Department, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., Jakarta, Indonesia, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0009-6921-5046
4Junior Expert, Strategic Project Management Department, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., Jakarta, Indonesia, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0001-7605-0579
5Expert 1, Strategic Project Management Department, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., Jakarta, Indonesia, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0008-1031-1570
6Expert 2, Strategic Project Management Department, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., Jakarta, Indonesia, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0004-9007-4747

Abstract

Reinforcing bar (rebar) is a major cost component and contributor to embodied carbon in reinforced concrete construction. In practice, rebar must be cut from standard stock lengths, and inefficient cutting plans often lead to material waste and disruptions in production flow. This study investigates how digital optimization of rebar cutting plans can reduce waste and support planning processes in construction projects. A case study approach was applied using QCDSMPE and quantified Ishikawa analysis to identify root causes, followed by the development and implementation of a digital optimization system across three pilot projects. The results show 2.4% reduction in rebar waste, corresponding to significant cost savings and an estimated reduction of 132,535 kgCO₂e. In addition, preparation time for cutting plans decreased from 3.7 hours to approximately 1s hour per Bar Bending Schedule (BBS). The findings demonstrate that digital optimization of material planning can improve resource efficiency, support workflow reliability, and contribute to both economic and environmental performance in construction.

Keywords

Lean construction, Last Planner System, production flow, rebar cutting plan optimization, embodied carbon.

Files


Full Text
 

Reference

Download: BibTeX | RIS Format

Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Rizaldi, Y. M., Ashari, A., Permadi, A., Putro, B. A., Thalib, A. & Wirdianto, A.. (2026). Digital optimization for green construction – reducing rebar waste and carbon emission. In Hamzeh, F., Poshdar, M., & Garcia-Lopez,, N. P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) (pp. 461–472). https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0169

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Rizaldi, Y. M., Ashari, A., Permadi, A., Putro, B. A., Thalib, A. & Wirdianto, A.. (2026). Digital optimization for green construction – reducing rebar waste and carbon emission. IGLC34. https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0169

 

Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

2015 © All Rights Reserved.