Diretrizes para medição, monitoramento e análise de material particulado em obras da construção civil

Abstract

Construction activities cause environmental impact, and one of the major impacts is related to atmospheric pollution by particulate matter (PM). However, studies on particulates from construction activities still require substantial advances for the consolidation and improvement of the extensive knowledge regarding PM from construction sites. In this scenario, there is still no consensus on standardized experimental methods for PM monitoring in construction sites, making it difficult to advance knowledge on this topic. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap in identifying concepts and study variables in the face of PM exposure to support a more standardized and applicable monitoring system in construction. The main objective of this thesis is to propose guidelines for the measurement, monitoring, and analysis of PM in construction works. These guidelines were applied in a study protocol during twenty-two months at a construction site in the metropolitan region of Salvador-Brazil for gravimetric monitoring of PM (TSP and PM10) and qualitative monitoring of the annoyance generated by sedimented particles and annoyance perceived by construction workers. Minivols samplers were used to gravimetric monitoring of PM, Sticky pad collectors were used to measure nuisance levels, and questionnaires were applied to construction workers. The monitoring was carried out in three construction activities phases, namely, Phase 1 – Execution of Earthworks and Foundations, Phase 2 – Execution of Structures, Fences and Masonry, and Phase 3 – Finishing Execution. From the results, critical and worrying levels of PM were identified, with TSP concentration levels higher than PM10 levels. In addition, it was possible to identify high levels of annoyance caused by sedimented particles and verify that workers tend to generalize their perceptions in the face of the different phases of activities. The main theoretical contribution is the consolidation of knowledge regarding the suspended and sedimented particulate matter in the construction, enabling the understanding of the effect of some study variables related to the measurement, monitoring, and analysis of PM at construction sites, namely, the effect of sampling periods, the effect of different location groups, the effect of different phases of activities, the effects of meteorological variables, and the effects of the annoyance generated and perceived. As a practical contribution, the guidelines proposed in this thesis seek to support future research, directing decision-making to experimental sampling, and providing a reference for the measurement, monitoring, and analysis of particulate matter on construction sites.