In the face of rapid urbanization, Egypt is grappling with an escalating crisis of construction and demolition waste, which now accounts for nearly half of the total municipal waste generated. Addressing this pressing issue, a recent study led by Mohamed Marzouk from the Structural Engineering Department at Cairo University and Badr University in Cairo has unveiled a groundbreaking framework that leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and optimization techniques to manage demolition waste more effectively.
The research highlights the critical need for efficient waste management solutions, particularly as infrastructure projects, such as highway expansions, proliferate. Marzouk explains, “Our framework not only identifies the locations of demolition waste but also optimizes the resources used in demolition and transportation. This dual approach can significantly reduce both the environmental impact and the costs associated with waste management.”
The framework operates through three interconnected modules: a GIS module for waste quantification, an optimization module for resource allocation, and a decision-making module that ranks the most effective solutions. Utilizing ArcGIS Pro software, the GIS component analyzes raster images of the study area to pinpoint buildings slated for demolition. The optimization module employs a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to balance multiple objectives—time, cost, and energy consumption—when planning demolition and waste transportation.
In a practical application, the framework was tested on the expansion of Cairo’s ring road project, showcasing its potential to streamline operations in real-world scenarios. Marzouk noted, “By applying this framework, we can not only enhance efficiency but also promote sustainability in construction practices, which is increasingly demanded by stakeholders in the industry.”
The decision-making module further refines the process by utilizing the Entropy Weight Method (EWM) to assign weights to the optimization criteria—38.6% for time, 17.3% for cost, and 44.1% for energy consumption. This structured approach culminates in the TOPSIS technique, which helps identify the best possible solutions for waste management.
This innovative research published in ‘Cleaner Engineering and Technology’ (translated to English as ‘Cleaner Engineering and Technology’) could revolutionize the construction sector by providing a replicable model for managing demolition waste. As the industry faces mounting pressure to minimize its ecological footprint, the implications of Marzouk’s findings could lead to more sustainable practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the bottom line for construction firms.
With a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, the integration of advanced technologies like GIS and optimization algorithms in waste management is likely to shape the future landscape of construction. As Marzouk succinctly puts it, “The time for change is now, and our framework is a step toward a cleaner, more responsible construction industry.”
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