Comprehensive environmental impact evaluation for concrete mixing station (CMS) based on improved TOPSIS method

Abstract This study presents an approach based on the improved technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) to perform comprehensive environmental impact evaluation for concrete mixing station (CMS) and to determine the optimal location of CMS. An evaluation framework consisting of four indicators and 12 sub-indicators from the environmental and sustainable aspects is established. Entropy method is adopted to determine the weights of indicators and sub-indicators. The improved TOPSIS method is employed to rank candidate locations according to the values of closeness coefficient index (CCI). A case study regarding on CMS location selection of a tunnel project is demonstrated the performance of developed approach. Results show that factors, i.e. environmental impact and pollution reduction management, are top two indicators which should be paid more attention. Moreover, the ranking order of candidate location is presented. Sensitivity and comparison analysis indicate that ranking results considering only profitability indicators is opposite that the results in only consumption indicators. The developed approach provides a guideline in MCS management to increase the sustainability of city.