Session: ASME Undergraduate Student Design Expo

Paper Number: 173360

Dynamic Layout Optimization for Temporary Debris Management Sites (Tdms) to Maximize Post-Disaster Material Recovery 

Extreme events generate large volumes of debris, often overwhelming local waste management systems. However, this debris also presents significant opportunities for material recycling and reuse. To maximize these opportunities, many studies emphasize the importance of on-site material separation based on beneficial uses (e.g., quality and specifications), rather than transporting mixed debris to temporary debris management sites (TDMSs). TDMSs serve a critical buffering role in disaster response but are subject to environmental and legal constraints that limit available space. As a result, current TDMS planning guidelines prioritize space efficiency for mixed debris management—an approach that conflicts with on-site separation practices aimed at enhancing material recovery. This study proposes a simulation-based framework to optimize TDMS layout and operations by incorporating truck arrival schedules, debris categorization, and material condition to evaluate different spatial staging configurations and operational strategies. Using agent-based modeling, internal site dynamics, such as storage allocation, queuing patterns, and turnaround time, are simulated and assessed using key performance indicators like space utilization, material preservation, and processing throughput. Therefore, the proposed framework supports more sustainable and responsive TDMS planning, helping to operationalize recovery-oriented strategies and align debris management practices with broader circular economy and post-disaster resilience goals. The primary objective of this project is to develop an innovative, dynamic layout optimization framework for Temporary Debris Management Sites (TDMS). The framework is designed to efficiently handle incoming debris by optimizing space usage and preserving the quality of recovered materials, thereby enhancing sustainability outcomes and operational efficiency following disaster events. The optimized dynamic TDMS layout will maximize the usable recovery of materials, minimize required site space, and enhance overall operational efficiency. By addressing space constraints and material decay simultaneously, this model provides actionable insights and a scalable solution applicable to various post-disaster debris management scenarios. For this project, we will be creating a computer simulation model to investigate storm-generated debris management systems. Using simplified datasets collected from debris contractors, the dynamics of how vegetative debris is managed after storm events can be explored, learning to optimize operations. The project leverages agent-based modeling (ABM) to simulate the dynamic interactions within the TDMS environment. Agents represent trucks, debris piles, and spatial zones. The simulation includes stochastic truck arrival schedules with varying material loads, real-time data collection at entry checkpoints, dynamic spatial allocation algorithms that reorganize site layouts based on predictive analysis and condition-based prioritization, and evaluation of different spatial scenarios to identify optimal layouts. The optimized dynamic TDMS layout will maximize the usable recovery of materials, minimize required site space, and enhance overall operational efficiency. By addressing space constraints and material decay simultaneously, this model provides actionable insights and a scalable solution applicable to various post-disaster debris management scenarios. 

Keywords: Temporary Debris Management Sites (TDMS), Post-Disaster Debris Management, Material Condition, Spatiotemporal Simulation

Presenting Author: Casey Ly Florida State University

Presenting Author Biography: Casey Ly is a Junior at Florida State University majoring in Environmental Engineering as well as minoring in Environmental Science and Policy. As of current, Casey specializes in relief and disaster management with the Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Response (RIDER) center at the FAMU-FSU Joint-College of Engineering. Outside of the College of Engineering, Casey regularly volunteers with environmental initiatives such as the Environmental Service Program (ESP), the Maji Project, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), and Sustainable Campus FSU. With multiple awards and recognition across campus organizations, Casey aspires to professionally pursue a career in hydrology and water quality.

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