Evaluating Sustainability in Post-Conflict Reconstruction: A Case Study of Blast-Damaged Buildings Without Structural Collapse Risk in Syria

In the context of post-war reconstruction, this study introduces a novel assessment model tailored for the preliminary management of blast-damaged reinforced concrete buildings without structural collapse risk. The model addresses the critical challenge of prioritizing reconstruction efforts within constraints of time and resources while integrating economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Developed using the Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment and refined through the Delphi method, the model provides stakeholders with a practical tool to evaluate alternative reconstruction scenarios, including refurbishment, demolition, reconstruction with retained identity, and preservation for future work. Validation is carried out through a case study of a tourist hotel in the historic area of Damascus, where a report confirmed the building posed no structural collapse risk. The results indicate that “preservation for future work” is the most sustainable option environmentally, while “refurbishment” emerges as the most sustainable economically and socially. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive damage assessments and sustainability-oriented tools for resilient and sustainable post-war reconstruction strategies that respect heritage contexts.

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