--- title: "Material handling and factors to consider" subject: "Construction Management" chapter: 6 key: "semester_8/construction_management:material-handling-factors" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/material-handling-factors site: BCT Engineering --- # Material handling and factors to consider Construction Management · Chapter 6: Construction Process - Asked in: 2066 Magh (old course), 8 marks - Video: [Industrial Engineering Management Material Handling Equipments Conditions/Factors to be considered](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubkHLSe5kb4) — Dr. G. Khaja Nazeemudin - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/material-handling-factors - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-6 ## Question What is material handling? Explain. What factors would you consider in material handling? ## Short answer Material handling is the movement, lifting, transport, storage and protection of materials from delivery to point of use, ensuring right quantity, time and condition. Factors to consider include material nature, quantity, distance, equipment cost and availability, schedule, site layout, storage requirements, safety, weather, labour skill, and wastage control. ## Answer **Material handling** is the movement, lifting, transport, storage and protection of construction materials from the source or delivery point to the place of use, using suitable labour, methods and equipment, so that they arrive in the right quantity, at the right time and in good condition. It covers loading and unloading, transport on site, storage, issue and placing. #### Objectives - Reduce handling cost and the number of handlings. - Avoid damage, loss and wastage. - Supply materials on time to the work front. - Provide safe working conditions. #### Factors to consider in material handling 1. **Nature of the material:** weight, size, shape, fragility and hazard (e.g. cement bags, glass, steel, liquids). 2. **Quantity and rate of use:** high volumes need mechanical handling (concrete pump, conveyor); small quantities may be handled manually. 3. **Distance and route:** horizontal and vertical distance, slope and condition of the road. 4. **Type of equipment available:** cost, capacity, availability and operator skill. 5. **Cost:** compare equipment cost with labour cost; choose the lowest total cost. 6. **Time and schedule:** deliveries should match the construction programme. 7. **Site layout:** stores, yards and crane position near the work point to avoid double handling. 8. **Storage requirements:** protection from rain, sun and theft; stacking height; first-in, first-out. 9. **Safety:** safe lifting, slings, signals, trained operators and PPE. 10. **Weather and ground conditions:** rain, mud and wind that affect cranes. 11. **Labour availability and skill,** and local customs on carrying loads. 12. **Wastage and quality:** methods that reduce breakage, spillage and segregation. Example: for high-rise concrete work, a ready-mix transit mixer plus a concrete pump moves concrete faster, more cheaply and with less waste than carrying it in buckets. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which describes material handling? A. Only the purchase of materials B. Movement, lifting, transport, storage and protection of materials from delivery point to place of use C. Only the unloading of trucks D. Only the testing of materials Answer: B. It covers loading, unloading, site transport, storage, issue and placing, at the right time, quantity and condition. (Key point: Meaning of material handling) 2. Large quantity and high rate of use of a material generally call for: A. Hand carrying B. Mechanical handling such as pump or conveyor C. Stopping work D. Storing in the open Answer: B. High volumes justify mechanical handling; small quantities can be done by hand. (Key point: Quantity and equipment) 3. How is the handling method chosen on cost? A. Always the cheapest equipment B. Compare equipment and labour costs and choose the lowest total cost C. Always manual labour D. Always the biggest machine Answer: B. Equipment cost is compared with labour cost and the lowest total cost option chosen. (Key point: Cost factor) 4. Which is a storage requirement in material handling? A. Protection from rain, sun and theft, with first-in first-out B. Last-in first-out use of cement C. Storing cement on bare ground D. Stacking unlimited height Answer: A. Storage must protect materials and issue the oldest stock first (FIFO). 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