A cleaner demolition scheduling methodology considering dust dispersion: A case study for a post-earthquake region

Abstract

In the present century, pollution is a primary concern for billions, prompting governments to advocate cleaner ways of production. Demolition activity is often an indispensable solution for structures that have completed their economic life. However, there are no regulations for the scheduling of demolition, except those related to the method of demolition and ensuring worker safety. Older buildings incorporate hazardous materials, such as asbestos, silica, and lead. These materials not only carry inherent risks, but high levels of aerosols in the air also adversely affect health. In this study, a demolition scheduling method is proposed, considering the dust dispersion. This research is pioneering, providing a structured demolition schedule to minimize the impact on both humans and the environment. In the methodology, a dispersion model is used to calculate the region exposed to dust and the concentration distribution throughout that area. In addition to the dust effect map, a vulnerability map is created using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), aiding in determining interrelations between vulnerable sites. Thus, the dust effect map is derived by considering both dust exposure and the vulnerability map. The region affected by dust and the concentration of dust vary based on wind characteristics. By knowing the dust effect maps for the site (or all subsites) during specified time periods, a schedule can be defined. As a case study, schedules causing the absolute minimum and optimum dust effect rates are established for Kahramanmaras,, , , T & uuml;rkiye which recently experienced a devastating earthquake. The findings of the case study show that the dust effect on humans and the environment is significantly reduced. Consequently, by adhering to the proposed scheduling plan, human exposure to demolition dust is minimized, resulting in reduced medical expenses even without increasing the cost of the demolition.