On-Site Disposition of Concrete During Decommissioning and Decontamination: A Data Quality Objective-Based Approach
- Salpas Consulting, Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Perot Systems Government Services, Knoxville, TN (United States)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
On-site disposition of concrete derived during decommissioning and demolition (D and D) of buildings at industrial sites is a cost-effective, waste minimization alternative to off-site disposal. Because the concrete is to be left on-site it becomes part of the solid matrix of the site and is subject to the compositional constraints governing site soils. In addition, the concrete and its contained-in materials may be subject to physical constraints such as size and shape which do not apply to soils. When considering on-site disposition of concrete, the data quality objective (DQO) process should be used to determine the compositional and physical constraints on the concrete and for developing the characterization approach to determine whether those constraints have been met. The information inputs to the compositional and physical constraints on the concrete constitute the concrete acceptance criteria (CAC) which become the basis for developing decision rules - the yes/no statements that unequivocally state the compositional and physical conditions under which concrete may be left on site. An important DQO boundary concept is concrete classification. The cost of concrete characterization can be minimized with a thorough data gap assessment by focusing resources on the concrete most in need of characterization. Concrete for which a yes/no decision can be made with reasonable certainty based on a comparison of existing data to the CAC receives a lesser amount of characterization scrutiny than does concrete for which existing data is non-existent or ambiguous relative to the CAC. In conclusion: Developing acceptance criteria for the on-site disposition of concrete through the DQO process provides a systematic methodology for determining and documenting what decisions will be made and what information is necessary to support those decisions. At each step in the process, input from all individuals or organizations that have a role in making the ultimate decision must be invited. The primary goal of the DQO process is the development of a clear and defensible set of decision rules that are acceptable, unanimously agreed upon, and approved by all decision makers. By conducting the DQO process in an analytical and systematic manner, unexpected and, perhaps, costly changes to an operational program resulting from last minute second-guessing can be prevented. (authors)
- Research Organization:
- WM Symposia, 1628 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 9 - 332, Tempe, AZ 85282 (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 21319802
- Report Number(s):
- INIS-US-10-WM-08457; TRN: US10V0630061993
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2008 Waste Management Symposium - WM2008/WM'08: HLW, TRU, LLW/ILW, Mixed, Hazardous Wastes and Environmental Management - Phoenix Rising: Moving Forward in Waste Management, Phoenix, AZ (United States), 24-28 Feb 2008; Other Information: Country of input: France; 2 refs
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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