Framework for selection of temporary disaster waste management sites for post-flood recovery in Seoul, South Korea

Abstract

In this study, a multi-criteria geographical information system (GIS) framework is proposed to address complicated decision-making problems associated with the selection of temporary disaster waste management sites (TDWMSs). Focusing on post-flood conditions, the framework considers potential limitations on vehicle access and transport based on flood depths and road widths. The usability of the framework was evaluated by applying it to Seoul, South Korea, the location chosen for this case study. Fourteen criteria were constructed, and TDWMS suitability was determined based on a weighted sum analysis. Compared with the existing TDWMSs in Seoul, the minimum, maximum, and mean suitability scores of the TDWMSs identified using the proposed framework improved by 27.27%, 11.54%, and 23.08%, respectively. The described approach can inform the decision-making of urban planners to improve resilience to flooding by identifying candidate sites with relatively superior suitability ratings. Our approach also serves as a starting point for the development of integrated models and solutions capable of addressing complicated decision-making problems for TDWMS selection that consider post-disaster conditions.