Examining the High-Rise Building Concept in the Greater Amman Municipality Strategy in Terms of Construction Waste

Amman's rapid urbanization, driven by population growth and economic expansion, has intensified the development of high-rise buildings to accommodate increasing residential and commercial demands. The critical challenge associated with high-rise construction is the effective management of construction waste, particularly cut-and-fill waste generated in topographically complex areas. This study examines the relationship between topographical variation and cut-and-fill waste management in high-rise developments within the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), with a focus on the Abdoun area as a case study. A mixed-methods approach that integrates topographical analysis, quantitative data, and stakeholder surveys is used to examine how slope gradients influence the volume of cut-and-fill waste generated during construction. GAM's planning frameworks, such as the Amman Master Plan 2025 (AMP 2025) and the High-Density Mixed-Use (HDMU) strategy, aim to guide urban growth by directing high-rise projects to suitable areas, mainly valleys, to reduce their visual impact. Findings reveal a strong correlation between steeper slopes and increased excavation volumes, leading to higher economic costs and environmental degradation. These results indicate that the current location in Greater Amman, at the bottom of the mountains, is not aligned with minimizing construction waste resulting from excavation. The study also identifies shortcomings in current regulations governing slope-based site selection, contributing to fragmented waste management and increased environmental harm. The modeling framework adopts simplifying assumptions, such as uniform limestone soil conditions and the exclusion of construction sequencing, weather variability, and retaining structures; however, this standardized approach enhances comparability across terrain scenarios and effectively isolates topographical influences on earthwork quantities. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive land-use planning and better integration of developmental and environmental priorities to achieve sustainable high-rise development.