A Sustainable Opportunity to Utilize Hazardous Waste during Post-Disaster Reconstruction Phase: A Case Study of Nepal Earthquake

Natural disasters produce a significant amount of waste that hinders the reconstruction of infrastructure systems. Although many studies have been conducted regarding construction waste recycling post-disasters, sustainable initiatives to integrate hazardous waste during reconstruction phases are often overlooked. For example, quarry rock dust (QRD), a hazardous waste obtained during the quarrying process, is a sustainable, economical, as well as more resilient alternative to sand in concrete structures, and improves the concrete's strength by ten percent. However, to date QRD is not effectively utilized in construction. The study utilizes the case study of a major earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015 and destroyed more than 491,620 buildings in 105 seconds. The post-disaster reconstruction phase encountered major challenges, especially related to construction raw material availability (like sand), thus delaying the reconstruction to more than three years. The two objectives of this study are to identify: (1) factors that impact the successful utilization of hazardous materials such as QRD and; (2) feasibility (in terms of cost, availability, and practicality) of integrating QRD, as the primary material in the reconstruction of infrastructures to accelerate the recovery phase in future disasters. To achieve these objectives, the research team conducted 115 semi-structured surveys to professionals who are actively working in post-disaster reconstruction in governmental and private organizations. The survey response was then, analyzed using linear regression analysis to determine the impact of identified factors on utilization of QRD in reconstruction. The results of the study: 1) provided post-disasters' lessons learned and; 2) generated preparedness activities that could be implemented in developing countries. Through this study, the research team was able to communicate with Nepal agencies to reconsider utilizing construction by-products in the aftermath of disasters, thereof accelerating the reconstruction phase.