Simulation-based estimation of environmental pollutions from construction processes

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2014-08, Vol.76, p.85-94
• Main Authors: Zhang, Hong, Zhai, Dong, Yang, Ying Nan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Construction processes; Emissions and noise; Environment and sustainable development; Estimation; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Pollution; Simulation; Simulation framework
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.04.021

Construction processes may produce environmental pollutions, such as noise and emissions of greenhouse gas and air pollutants that are studied in the paper, and estimation of them is essential to planning the construction process regarding pollution-reduction. Based on the calculating models developed from the EPA NONROAD model and the noise theory, a discrete-event simulation method is developed to estimate the emissions and noise by reflecting the uncertainty, randomness and dynamics in construction. The simulation framework concerning the modeling features for the environment-related factors and the simulation strategy incorporated with the calculating models is described. A case study for an earthmoving project is presented to demonstrate and validate the proposed simulation method for predicting the pollutions. In contrast to field measurement and existing estimating methods, the proposed simulation is more convenient and accounts for more particularities such as uncertainty, randomness and dynamics in quantifying the emissions and equivalent continuous noise from a construction process. •A discrete-event simulation (DES) method to estimate emissions and noise generated from construction is proposed.•The basic calculating-models for construction emissions and noise (in terms of equivalent continuous level) are presented.•The simulation framework concerning modeling and simulation strategy for implementing the calculating models is proposed.•Uncertainty, randomness and dynamics in construction can be considered in estimating emissions and noise.•The proposed simulation method is able to help make decisions on the construction plan regarding pollution-reduction.