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The building industry is responsible for a large amount of waste, and the measurement and modelling of this waste could be used to develop better waste management plans. Several theoretical models explain the relationships between waste and building characteristics, but local practices may result in different behaviours. This study aimed to measure and analyse the waste generated through construction. It was based on the analysis of 18 building sites located in the region of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Waste was measured at these sites, and the results showed an average waste generation rate of 0.151 m3 m-2. A regression analysis of the collected data presented a satisfactory performance in two models. The first model was developed to explain total waste generation, including the effects of certain attributes, with an R2 = 0.81. The changes in waste generated during construction were estimated. The second model considered time schedules and examined the effect of the construction stage on waste generation, and reached an R2 = 0.91. The model with time indicated an S-shaped relationship. The models presented satisfactory statistical parameters and could be used to produce better waste management plans in the preconstruction stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]