EPA/600/R-16/257 I March 2017
www.epa.gov/homeland-security-research
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
SEPA
Incident Waste Decision Support Tool
Waste Materials Estimator Version 6.4
Office of Research and Development

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EPA/600/R-15/257
March 2017
Incident Waste Decision Support Tool -
Waste Materials Estimator Version 6.4
Prepared for:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Homeland Security Research Center
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

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DISCLAIMERS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through its Office of Research and Development managed the
research described here. This work was performed by Eastern Research Group under Contract No. EP-
D-11 -006 Work Assignment 5-10. It has been subjected to the Agency's review and has been approved
for publication. Note that approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views of the
Agency.
Questions concerning this document or its application should be addressed to:
Paul Lemieux
National Homeland Security Research Center
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code E343-06
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541 -0962
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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF ACRONYMS	IX
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND NOTATION	XI
LIST OF UNITS	XII
1.	INTRODUCTION	1-1
2.	NON-STRUCTURAL/INTERIOR ITEMS AND MATERIALS	2-1
2.1	Methodology and Factor Development	2-1
2.2	Waste Item Database, Item Properties, and Default Item Inventories	2-2
2.2.1	Methodology for Item Data Collection and Database Creation	2-2
2.2.2	Waste Items	2-2
2.2.3	User-Defined Waste Items	2-8
2.2.4	Waste Item Properties	2-9
2.2.5	Default Waste Item Inventories	2-7
2.3	Hospitals	2-8
2.3.1	Data Sources	2-8
2.3.2	Methodology	2-10
2.3.3	Waste Category Factors	2-11
2.3.4	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-13
2.3.5	Category Descriptions	2-14
2.3.6	Data Analysis and Quality	2-16
2.4	Hotels	2-17
2.4.1	Data Sources	2-17
2.4.2	Methodology	2-18
2.4.3	Waste Category Factors	2-21
2.4.4	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-24
2.4.5	Category Descriptions	2-25
2.4.6	Data Analysis and Quality	2-27
2.5	Movie Theaters	2-27
2.5.1	Data Sources	2-28
2.5.2	Methodology	2-28
2.5.3	Waste Category Factors	2-31
2.5.4	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-32
2.5.5	Category Descriptions	2-33
2.5.6	Data Analysis and Quality	2-35
2.6	Offices	2-37
2.6.1	Data Sources	2-37
2.6.2	Methodology	2-38
2.6.3	Waste Category Factors	2-40
2.6.4	Additional Factors Affecting the Quantity of Items	2-42
2.6.5	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-43
li

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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
2.6.6	Category Descriptions	2-43
2.6.7	Data Analysis and Quality	2-44
2.7	Schools	2-45
2.7.1	Data Sources	2-45
2.7.2	Methodology	2-45
2.7.3	Factors	2-46
2.7.4	Additional Factors Affecting the Waste Estimates	2-50
2.7.5	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-51
2.7.6	Category Descriptions	2-52
2.7.7	Data Analysis and Quality	2-54
2.8	Shopping Malls	2-54
2.8.1	Data Sources	2-54
2.8.2	Methodology	2-56
2.8.3	Waste Category Factors	2-58
2.8.4	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-61
2.8.5	Category Descriptions	2-62
2.8.6	Data Analysis and Quality	2-64
2.9	Single-Family Residences	2-64
2.9.1	Average Square Footage of the Affected Residences and Number
of Affected Residences	2-65
2.9.2	Percent of Brick/Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls	2-65
2.9.3	Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials	2-65
2.9.4	Structural Materials	2-65
2.9.5	Foundations	2-66
2.9.6	Factors and Calculations	2-66
2.9.7	Assumptions and Key Notes	2-71
2.9.8	Category Descriptions	2-72
3.	STRUCTURAL BUILDING MATERIALS	3-1
3.1	HAZUS-MH Building Types	3-2
3.2	HAZUS-MH Debris Factors	3-6
3.3	Mapping Specific Occupancy Class (SOC) to Model Building Type (MBT)	3-8
3.4	Utilizing HAZUS-MH Debris Factors	3-10
3.5	Additional Correlations Needed for Certain WME Structure Types	3-14
3.6	Correlating WME Input Parameters to Structure Square Footage	3-14
4.	DEFAULT PARAMETERS AND PARAMETER VALUES	4-1
4.1	Methodology	4-1
4.2	Hospitals	4-3
4.3	Hotels	4-3
4.4	Movie Theaters	4-5
4.5	Offices	4-5
4.6	Schools	4-6
in

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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
4.7	Single-Family Residences
4.8	Shopping Malls	
4-7
4-7
5. OPEN SPACE	
5.1	Methodology	
5.2	Waste Category Estimates
5-1
5-1
5-2
APPENDIX A: CALCULATED REPRESENTATIVE MAPPING SCHEME - MODEL
BUILDING TYPES (MBT) TO SPECIFIC OCCUPANCY CLASSES (SOC) FOR WME
STRUCTURE TYPES
APPENDIX B: MODEL BUILDING TYPE (MBT) DESCRIPTIONS
APPENDIX C: WME NUMERICAL RESULTS DISPLAY, ROUNDING, AND
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
IV

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List of Tables
LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 2-1. Sources and Basis for Bathroom and Janitorial Items	2-3
Table 2-2. Sources and Basis for Building Materials	2-4
Table 2-3. Sources and Basis for Electronic Equipment and Office Machines	2-5
Table 2-4. Sources and Basis for Office and School Furniture and Supplies	2-6
Table 2-5. Sources and Basis for Other School Equipment	2-7
Table 2-6. Sources and Basis for Restaurant and Cafeteria Items	2-7
Table 2-7. Sources and Basis for Movie Theater Specific Items	2-8
Table 2-8. Wall Thickness of User-Defined Objects	2-9
Table 2-9. Summary of Properties for Waste Items	2-1
Table 2-10. Basis of the Heat of Combustion Values for Waste Items	2-3
Table 2-11. Basis of the Residual Ash for Materials	2-5
Table 2-12. Water Retention of Various Samples	2-6
Table 2-13. WME Interior/Non-Structural Waste Category Factors (WCFs) for Hospitals	2-12
Table 2-14. Packaging Materials Factors (PMFs) for Hospitals	2-13
Table 2-15. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hospitals	2-14
Table 2-16. Input Parameters for Hotels	2-21
Table 2-17. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Weight of Items for
Non-Luxury Hotels	2-21
Table 2-18. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Volume of Items for
Non-Luxury Hotels	2-22
Table 2-19. Alternative WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Weight
of Items for Luxury Hotels	2-24
Table 2-20. Alternative WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Volume
of Items for Luxury Hotels	2-24
Table 2-21. Packaging Materials Factors for Hotels	2-24
Table 2-22. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hotels	2-25
Table 2-23. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Movie Theaters	2-31
Table 2-24. Packaging Materials Factors for Movie Theaters	2-32
Table 2-25. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Movie
Theaters	2-33
Table 2-26. Movie Theater WME Input Parameter Error Analysis Results	2-35
v

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List of Tables
LIST OF TABLES (Continued)
Page
Table 2-27. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Individual Walled Offices	2-40
Table 2-28. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Cubicle Offices	2-40
Table 2-29. Preferred Input Parameters for Office Interior/Non-Structural Waste
Categories	2-42
Table 2-30. Packaging Materials Factors (PMF) for Offices	2-42
Table 2-31. Paper Loading Factors (PLF) for Offices	2-43
Table 2-32. Interior/Non-Structural WME Waste Categories and Descriptions for Offices	2-43
Table 2-33. Preferred Input Parameters for School Interior/Non-Structural Waste
Categories	2-48
Table 2-34. WME Interior/non-Structural Factors for Elementary Schools	2-48
Table 2-35. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Middle Schools	2-49
Table 2-36. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for High Schools	2-49
Table 2-37. Packaging Materials Factors (PMF) for Schools	2-50
Table 2-38. Paper Loading Factors (PLF) for Schools	2-51
Table 2-39. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Schools	2-52
Table 2-40. Default Values for Mall Tenant Space Allocation	2-55
Table 2-41. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Shopping Malls	2-59
Table 2-42. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Shopping Malls	2-60
Table 2-43. Packaging Materials Factors for Shopping Malls	2-61
Table 2-44. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Shopping
Malls	2-62
Table 2-45. WME Factors for Non-Building Materials from Single-Family Residences	2-67
Table 2-46. WME Factors for Building Materials from Single-Family Residences with
100% Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls	2-68
Table 2-47. WME Factors for Building Materials from Single-Family Residences with
0% Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls	2-69
Table 2-48. WME Factors for Building Materials from Gutted Single-Family Residences	2-69
Table 2-49. WME Factors for Structural Concrete and Masonry Materials From Single-
Family Residences Where Foundations Are Not Included	2-70
Table 2-50. WME Factors for Structural Concrete and Masonry Materials From Single-
Family Residences Where Foundations Are Included	2-71
Table 2-51. Waste Categories and Descriptions for Single-Family Residences	2-72
VI

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List of Tables
LIST OF TABLES (Continued)
Page
Table 3-1. List of Typical Nonstructural Components and Contents of Buildings	3-3
Table 3-2. HAZUS-MH Specific Occupancy Classes (SOCs) for General Building Stock	3-3
Table 3-3. HAZUS-MH Model Building Types (MBTs) for General Building Stock	3-4
Table 3-4. HAZUS-MH Default Building Debris Factors	3-6
Table 3-5. WME Structure Types Matched to HAZUS-MH Specific Occupancy Class
(SOC)	3-7
Table 3-6. Average Distribution of Model Building Type (MBT) Floor Area within the
COM4 Specific Occupancy Class (SOC)	3-8
Table 3-7. Default Distribution of Model Building Types (MBTs) for COM4 Specific
Occupancy Class (SOC)	3-9
Table 3-8. MBT Debris Factors (Mass) for COM4 SOC	3-10
Table 3-9. Calculated Building Structural Materials Factors (Mass) Based on Specific
Occupancy Class (SOC)	3-11
Table 3-10. Assumed Structural Material Densities	3-11
Table 3-11. Assumed Volumetric Distribution (Percentage of Total) of Structural
Materials by MBT	3-12
Table 3-12. MBT Debris Factors (Volume) for COM4 SOC	3-13
Table 3-13. Calculated Building Structural Materials Factors (Volume) Based on Specific
Occupancy Class (SOC)	3-13
Table 3-14. WME Input Parameters Requiring Correlations to Structure Square Footage	3-14
Table 3-15. Available Hotel Data	3-15
Table 3-16. Summary of Correlation Equations	3-18
Table 4-1. Selected HAZUS-MH Default Full Replacement Cost Models (RS Means,
2002)	4-2
Table 4-2. Summary of WME Default Parameters and Values	4-7
Table 4-3. Summary of WME Correlations Between Structure Square Footage and Input
Parameter(s)	4-8
Table 5-1. Summary of Open Space Material Densities	5-2
vii

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List of Figures
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 3-1. Movie Theater Seats as a Function of Total Square Footage	3-16
Figure 3-2. Movie Theater Screens as a Function of Total Square Footage	3-17
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List of Acronyms
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AHA
American Hospital Association
APME
Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe
ASHES
American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services
BDR
Building Decontamination Residue
BoEE
Back-of-the-envelope Estimator
CPU
Central Processing Unit
CT
Computerized Tomography (CT scanners)
DF
Debris Factor
DST
Decision Support Tool
EOC
Emergency Operations Center
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ERG
Eastern Research Group, Inc.
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
GLA
Gross leasable area
GOC
General Occupancy Class
HAZUS-MH
Hazards U.S.-Multi-Hazard Loss Estimation Software
HR
High rise; a type of height range for model building types
HSRP
Homeland Security Research Program
ICER
Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling
ICSC
International Council of Shopping Centers
IV
Intravenous
I-WASTE DST
Incident Waste Decision Support Tool
LR
Low rise, a type of height range for model building types
MBT
Model Building Type
MR
Mid-rise; a type of height range for model building types
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI machines)
NRF
National Retail Federation
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
PMF
Packaging Materials Factor
PRF
Paper and Office or School Supplies Removal Factor
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SF
Square footage
soc
Specific Occupancy Class
IX

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List of Acronyms
LIST OF ACRONYMS (Continued)
SPI	Society of the Plastics Industry
UCSF	University of California, San Francisco
WCF	Waste Category Factor
WEEE	Waste Electronic Electrical Equipment
WME	Waste Materials Estimator
x

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List of Symbols and Notation
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND NOTATION
bwc-i
DFi
DFMBT-i
Ewc-i
F Intercept
F Slope
G
G Intercept
G Slope
IPx
IPx.y
IPx,Z
M
Mo%
Mo% Intercept
Mo% Slope
Mi 00%
Mioo% Intercept
Mioo% Slope
MBTfi
niwc-i
n
NF
NF Intercept
NF Slope
SAt
SF
SFsingle-family residence
WCFi
WCFi,y
WCFi>t
WCFu
Intercept for waste category i
Debris factor for debris type i, mass or volume
Debris factor for MBT type i
Estimate of waste for waste category i, tons or yd3
Intercept for foundation
Slope for foundation
Gutted Single-Family Residences
Intercept for structure gutting (from Table 2-48)
Slope for structure gutting (from Table 2-48)
Input parameter value for x
Input parameter value for structure type x and hotel area fraction^
Input parameter value for structure type x and input parameter z
Percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls, %
0% Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls
Intercept for 0% masonry-faced exterior walls
Slope for 0% masonry-faced exterior walls
100% Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls
Intercept for 100% masonry-faced exterior walls
Slope for 100% masonry-faced exterior walls
Fraction of SOC comprised of MBT type i
Slope for waste category i
Number of single-family residences
Single-family residences with no foundation
Intercept for no foundation
Slope for no foundation
.Space allocation for store type t, % of GLA
Square footage, ft2
Square footage of single-family residence
Waste category factor for waste category /, tons/bed or yd3/bed
Waste category factor for waste category i and hotel area fraction >>
Waste category factor for waste category i and store type t
Waste category factor for waste category i and input parameter z
XI

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List of Units
LIST OF UNITS
BTU
British thermal unit(s)
ft3
Cubic foot (feet)
in3
Cubic inch(es)
m3
Cubic meter(s)
yd3
Cubic yard(s)
ft
Foot (feet)
in
Inch(es)
kg
Kilogram(s)
MJ
Megajoule(s)
tons
U.S. ton(s)
oz
Ounce(s)
lb
Pound(s)
ft2
Square foot (feet)
m
Meter(s)
m2
Square meter(s)
mi2
Square mile(s)
yd2
Square yard(s)
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Section 1—Introduction
1. INTRODUCTION
This document outlines the methodology and data used to develop the Waste Materials
Estimator (WME) contained in the Incident Waste Decision Support Tool (I-WASTE DST).
The WME is both a standalone calculator that generates waste estimates in terms of broad
waste categories and is also integrated into the Incident Planning and Response section of the
tool where default inventories of specific waste items are provided in addition to the estimates
for the broader waste categories. The WME can generate waste estimates for both common
materials found in open spaces (soil, vegetation, concrete, and asphalt) and for a vast array of
items and materials found in common structures.
Waste estimates are designed to be order of magnitude estimates of the weight
and volume of materials found in open spaces or materials and items found in
a structure.
The terminology used in this document is contextual. Under normal circumstances, EPA
differentiates between "materials' and "wastes" along the waste management continuum. The
term waste used in this document refers to incident-generated wastes, some of which may be
materials that can be treated or diverted to recycling if appropriate. For additional information,
please see EPA's Managing Materials and Wastes for Homeland Security Incidents website
(https://www.epa. gov/homeland-securitv-waste. last accessed September 20, 2016).
For structures, the input parameter values are multiplied by Waste Category Factors to
generate weight and volume estimates for several waste categories specific for each structure
type. See Section 2.1. For open spaces, the input parameters define the volume of material that
may be removed from an area. Those volumes are then multiplied by the respective material
density to generate mass-based waste estimates. See Section 5.
Default structure inventories provide a basic estimate of the quantity of material that
may require disposal based on a few simple input parameters. However, instead of just providing
an estimate for broad categories of items or materials (e.g., patient care furniture), the default
structure inventories provide a specific list of items (e.g., patient beds, infant cribs, exam tables,
wheel chairs) by multiplying the input parameter values by Waste Item Factors.
Default structure inventories are not designed to be an all-inclusive list for every specific
item in a structure; rather, they provide a starting point for the user to identify oversized items
and other items that may have special disposal considerations. See Section 2.2.
Currently, waste estimates can be generated for seven general types of structures:
hospitals, hotels, offices, single-family residences, K-12 schools, shopping malls, and movie
theaters.
The estimates generated by the WME are divided according to several Waste Categories.
For structures, the Waste Categories are broad groupings of individual Waste Items found in a
1-1

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Section 1—Introduction
structure. The waste items are grouped into waste categories according to Non-
Structural/Interior items and materials and Structural items and materials. Non-
structural/interior items and materials are divided between building materials and all other non-
structural/interior items. Structural items and materials are divided between brick, wood, and
other structural building materials; and reinforced concrete and steel. Details on each individual
waste category, including which waste items are included in the estimate, and related
assumptions are provided in Section 2.2. All estimates for interior and non-structural items and
waste categories are based on factors developed from site visits and other research conducted by
ERG.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2. NON-STRUCTURAL/INTERIOR ITEMS AND MATERIALS
A general overview of the methodology for estimating non-structural and building
interior waste items and materials is described Sections 2.1 and 2.2. Examples of non-structural
waste items include drywall, ceiling tiles, and flooring materials. Examples of interior waste
items include furniture, bathroom fixtures, electronic equipment, and personal effects. Non-
structural and interior waste items are assigned and grouped to a Waste Category that is specific
to the structure type. Many of the Waste Categories (e.g., Drywall) apply to multiple structure
types, although the specific non-structural and interior waste items may vary. The detailed
methodologies and data sources for each structure type are provided in Sections 2.3 through 2.9
that follow.
2.1 Methodology and Factor Development
The waste category factors used by the WME for interior and non-structural weight and
volume estimates for all structure types, except for single-family residences, were developed
based on site visits conducted by ERG. During the development of earlier versions of I-WASTE,
ERG conducted site visits to commercial businesses and establishments representing all structure
types found in the WME, except for single-family residences. At each site visited, a thorough
inventory was conducted of all furniture, electronic equipment, etc. The quantity of duct work,
ventilation systems, drywall, and other non-structural building materials was estimated by
reviewing the structure's floor plans. In total, over 500 individual items were cataloged in a
database. These items were broadly grouped according to general type of item or use.
Using the collected inventory information, the weight and volume for each item were
estimated (see Section 2.2). The items were then grouped into several categories and the total
weight and volume for the waste category were calculated by summing the individual volumes
and weights of all items in the category. Additionally:
•	All items are assumed to be fully assembled prior to being shipped for disposal.
•	All weights are dry weights; the additional weight of any water that may be added
to an item (e.g., water from decontamination activities) is not accounted for.
Floor plans were reviewed to estimate the square footage of the structure, and factors for
estimating the quantity of items and materials based on square footage were generated by
dividing the total volume and weight for the waste category by the total structure square footage.
For some structures, a correlation exists between the amount of items and materials and the
number of occupants in an office building, number of students in a school, number of beds in a
hospital, etc.
To generate estimates for the quantity of items or materials requiring disposal, the WME
multiplies the respective waste category factor by the input parameter value on which the factors
are based. The specific parameters that are associated with each structure type are described in
detail later in this section.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.2 Waste Item Database, Item Properties, and Default Item Inventories
The inventories of items completed during site visits by ERG (see Section 2.1 were
compiled into a database to which additional information for and properties of each item were
added. This section describes the Waste Item Database in detail. The Waste Item Database is
available in I-WASTE and can be accessed either through the Incident Planning section of the
tool, or through the Chem/Bio Guidance Section of the tool. Additionally, the Waste Item
Database is used when developing an Incident Record to supplement the waste estimation results
by providing users a detailed inventory of items that is generated based on the user inputs to the
WME. The Waste Item Database is not available to users in the WME section of the tool. The
Waste Item Database and Default Item Inventories are intended only to provide details on
potentially contaminated items that may be present in structures and that may require
decontamination and/or disposal. The Waste Item Database does not include decontamination
equipment, decontamination residues, or decontamination wastewater.
2.2.1	Methodology for Item Data Collection and Database Creation 1
The current Waste Item Database contains items that may be found in many types of
structures, including (but not limited to) offices, schools, restaurants, hotels, and movie theaters.
The creation of the database was broken up into two tasks. The first task was to
brainstorm larger items that may be found in the buildings and provide approximate dimensions,
weights, and material content for each item. The brainstorming was primarily completed based
on the personal experiences of visiting these sites. Online catalogs were also searched and served
as the primary source for dimensions and weights. Table 2-1 through Table 2-8 outline the
sources for each item in the database.
Using the weight and material content, the second task was to determine the heat content,
residual ash, and potential water weight of each item. To complete this task, literature was
searched to generate a table of material properties (Table 2-9). Since the specific type of wood,
plastic, or metal used in the items would generally be unknown by the user of the database,
generic categories were created for each of these groups. Two other material categories,
electronics and carpet, were also created to model the numerous materials in these items as one
composite material. Table 2-10 through Table 2-12 outline the assumptions and sources used for
the generation of Table 2-9.
2.2.2	Waste Items
The Waste Item Database includes default dimensions and properties values associated
with each item, along with other characteristics calculated from the default values stored in the
database. Default weights and dimensions for items were found in online catalogs such as
www.bestbuv.com or www.acemart.com (both last accessed December 21, 2015), or estimated
by visual inspection and/or measurement. The defaults were designed to give reasonable
estimates for the items that may be found at a site. However, due to the variety of shapes and
Information presented in this section was originally documented in the ERG memorandum entitled, "BDR
Database Assumptions," from Aaron Osborne (ERG) to Andy Miller (EPA), dated February 16, 2004.
2-2

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
sizes of the items, these dimensions may be modified by the tool user. These dimensions include
the following:
•	Height (inches);
•	Width (inches);
•	Depth (inches); and
•	Weight (pounds).
Table 2-1 through Table 2-8 contain a list of sources and assumptions used for the
dimensions, weight, and material contents for items in the database. If a website is listed as the
basis, it implies the following:
•	An item or items matching the description were found on the website;
•	If dimensions for the item were listed, they were rounded up to the nearest inch;
•	If a weight was listed, it was rounded to two significant digits; and
•	If a shipping weight was listed, it was reduced by 5-10% and rounded to two
significant digits.
If "visual inspection and measurement" is listed as the basis, it implies the following:
•	An item or items matching the description were found during the visit;
•	The item was measured using a tape measure or ruler;
•	The weight was estimated by lifting the item or by the density of the material;
•	The item may have been scaled up or down to generate dimensions and weights for
other items in its group (e.g., a medium plastic blind was used to estimate the weight
of a small and large blind.)
All dimensions were rounded up to the nearest inch. Weights were generally rounded to
two significant digits. Material content was rounded to the nearest 5%. Unless otherwise noted,
all assumptions for material content are based on visual inspection. User-defined items are
addressed in Section 2.2.3.
Table 2-1. Sources and Basis for Bathroom and Janitorial Items
(iroup
Specific Item
Source/Basis[a]
Carts
All Items
www.officedeDot.com and www.acemart.com
Equipment
Brooms &
Mops
www.acemart.com
Equipment
Steam Cleaner
& Vacuums
www.bestbuy.com

Mirror
All Items
Visual inspection and measurement
Miscellaneous
All Items
www.acemart.com
Paper Towels
All Items
Visual inspection, measurement, and www.acemart.com
2-3

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-1. Sources and Basis for Bathroom and Janitorial Items
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis[a]
Showers
All Items
Visual inspection, measurement, and
www.shop.toohome.com2
Sinks
Kitchen
www.acemart.com
Sinks
All Others
Visual inspection, measurement, and
www.shop.toohome.com3
Stall Dividers
All Items
www.moss-ensineerins.com
Toilet Paper
All Items
Visual inspection, measurement, and www.acemart.com
Toilets
All Items
Visual inspection, measurement, and
www.shop.toohome.com3
Trash Cans
Particle Board
Weight based on construction with 5/8" particle board.
Trash Cans
All Others
www.ianisan.com
Washers/Dryers
All Items
www.bestbuv.com
[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

Table 2-2. Sources and Basis for Building Materials
Group
Specific Item
Source / Basis[a]
Blinds
All Items
Visual inspection and www.blinds.com
Carpet and Padding
Carpet
Most carpet sold in 12 foot (ft) wide rolls. Weight of 4.75
pounds per square yard (lb/yd2) based on
www.maslandcontract.com.
Carpet and Padding
Padding
Most padding sold in 6 ft wide rolls. Generally sold in lA inch
(in), 5/i6 in, and 3/s in gauge. Weight of 34 ounces (oz)/yd2
based on5116 in http://www.maslandcontract.com/3
Ceiling Tiles
All Items
Dimensions, weight, and material content all based on
www.us2.c0m
Doors
All Items
Dimensions and weights vary greatly. Standard sizes were
chosen based on visual inspection and measurement for
estimates. Metal fire doors are based on www.cecodoor.com
Drywall
All Items
www.us2.c0m. All estimations based on3/8 in thick drywall.
Floor Tiles
All Items
Visual inspection and tile estimator from
www.homestore.com4
Insulation
All Items
Visual inspection and www.owenscornin2.com
2	The website and URL are not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL, and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
3	The website and URL are not valid as of July 31, 2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
4	At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the source of the
information or data currently used in the WME. This URL now redirects to www.move.com.
2-4

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-2. Sources and Basis for Building Materials
Group
Specific Item
Source / Basis[a]
Linoleum
All Items
Can be made from either linen seed oil or polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). Generally made in 6 ft wide rolls. Assumed a weight
of 2. lkilograms per square meter (kg/m2) based on
www.stvleoark.com and www.ma2nafabrics.com
[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.
Table 2-3. Sources and Basis for Electronic Equipment and Office Machines
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis[a]
Cameras
All Items
www.bestbuv.com
Clocks
All Items
Visual inspection and
measurement
Computers
Laptop and CPU
www.bestbuv.com
Computers
Mac (Monitor and CPU)
www.aoDle.com
Computers
Servers
www.ibm.com
Disks
All Items
Visual inspection and
measurement
Fans
Ceiling
www.hansenwholesale.com
Fans
Floor
www.husan.com
Fans
Industrial
www.vestilmfg.com
Fax Machines
All Items
www .canon .com
Light Fixtures
All Items
Visual inspection, measurements,
and www.officedeDot.com
Metal Detectors
Handheld
www.detection.com
Metal Detectors
Walk Through
www.securitydetectors.com5
Monitors
All Items
www.bestbuv.com
Paper Folders
All Items
www.abc-i.com
Phones
V ideo Phones
www.Dolvcom.com
Phones
All Others
www.bestbuv.com
Photocopiers
All Items
www .canon .com
Printers
Large
www .canon .com
Printers
All Others
www.bestbuv.com
Projectors
All Items
www.bestbuv.com
Retail Equipment
Cash Register
www.cashregisterstore.com
Retail Equipment
Neon Sign
www.acemart.com
Scanners
All Items
www.bestbuy.com
Shredders
All Items
www.abc-i.com
Soda/Snack Machines
All Items
www.vending4freedom.com5
Space Heaters
All Items
www.heatershop.com6
At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the source of the
information or data currently used in the WME. This URL now redirects to www.adt.com.
The website and URL are not valid as of July 31, 2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
2-5

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-3. Sources and Basis for Electronic Equipment and Office Machines
Group
Specific Item
Source/Biisis1"1
Televisions
All Items
www.bestbuv.com
VCR/DVD Players
All Items
www.bestbuv.com
Video Arcade Games
All Items
www. a uarterarcade. com
X-ray Machines
All Items
www.bombdetection.com
[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.
Table 2-4. Sources and Basis for Office and School Furniture and Supplies
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis[a]
Archive Storage
All Items
V isual inspection and measurement
Book Cases
All Items
www. offi cefurniture .com
Bulletin Boards
All Items
www. ahutton. com
Carts
All Items
www. offi cefurniture .com
Chairs
All Items
Visual inspection, measurements, and
www. offi cefurniture .com
Chalk Board
All Items
www. ahutton. com
Coat Racks
Floor Trees
www.thehomestore.com7
Coat Racks
All Others
www. keys an. com8
Cubicle Dividers
All Items
Visual inspection and www.officefurniture.com
Desks
School
www.schooloutfitters.com
Desks
All Others
www. offi cefurniture .com
Filing Cabinets
All Items
www. offi cefurniture .com
Mail Sorters
All Items
www.cleansweepsupply.com9
Paper
All Items
Weight based on 20 lb paper.
Plants
All Items
www.silkolantscanada.com
Projection Screen
All Items
www. drao erinc .com
Storage Cabinets
All Items
Visual inspection, measurements, and
www. offi cefurniture .com
Storage Shelves
All Items
V isual inspection and measurements
Tables
End Tables
Based on construction with 5/8 in wood or particle board
Tables
Folding
www.officefurniture.com. Material content based on top
made out of 5/8 in particle board
Tables
All Others
www. offi cefurniture .com
Whiteboard
All Items
www. ahutton. com
[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.
7	The website and URL are not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
8	The website and URL are not valid as of July 31, 2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
9	At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the source of the
information or data currently used in the WME. This URL now redirects to www.officezilla.com.
2-6

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-5. Sources and Basis for Other School Equipment
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis1*1
Bleachers
Retractable
Generally custom designed, and would require disassembling
prior to shipment. Estimates based on www.interkal.com
Bleachers
Stationary
www.theDarkcatalos.com
Display (Trophy)
Cases
All Items
www.sun-rise.com10
Gym Equipment
Basketball
www.basketball20als.com
Hoops

Gym Equipment
Benches
www.lasteelcraft.com
Gym Equipment
Wrestling Mat
www.cartwheelfactorv.com
Gym Equipment
Balance Beam
Pommel Horse
www.olympic-usa.org/sports2/gy/az equip .html11
Gym Equipment
Wall Padding
Visual inspection
Laboratory
Equipment
All Items
Visual inspection and measurement
Lockers
All Items
www.corcraft.com7
Music
Harp
www.lvonhealv.com
Music
All Others
www.yamaha.com
Podium
All Items
www.impact-displays.com12 and www.heavenlvwood.com
Risers
All Items
Visual Inspection and measurement
Room Dividers
All Items
www.draDerinc.com
Weightlifting
All Items
www. me gafitnes s .com
Equipment


[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.
Table 2-6. Sources and Basis for Restaurant and Cafeteria Items
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis1*1
Bar
All Items
Visual inspection and measurement
Cafeteria Line
All Items
www.acemart.com
Cooking Equipment
All Items
www.acemart.com and www.bestbuv.com
Other Kitchen
All Items
www.acemart.com.www.bestbuv.com. and
Equipment

www.hobart.com13
Refrigerated
Beverage Displays
All Items
www.acemart.com
Seating
All Items
www.acemart.com
10	The website and URL are not valid as of July 31, 2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
11	The website and URL are not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
12	The website and URL are not valid as of July 31, 2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
13	The website and URL are not valid as of July 31, 2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
2-7

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-6. Sources and Basis for Restaurant and Cafeteria Items
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis1*1
Tables
Folding
www. clas sro omfurniture .com

Cafeteria

Tables
All Others
Dimensions, weight, and material content based on
www.tableandbaseworld.com13
[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.
Table 2-7. Sources and Basis for Movie Theater Specific Items
Group
Specific Item
Source/Basis[a]
Acoustic Tiles
All Items
Based on a density of 3 kg/m2 from www.soundservice.co.uk
Concession Stand
Counter
All Items
Based on construction from 5/8 in particle board
Concession Stand
Items
All Items
www.acemart.com
Crowd Control Lines
All Items
www. go crown, com14
Drapes/Curtains
All Items
Based on a density of 18 oz/yd2 from www.tapestria.com15
Movie Screens
All Items
Based on estimate of 0.6 lb/ft2 from www.draDerinc.com.
Screens are vinyl with glass beads.
Row of Seating
All Items
Seats are generally custom made. Sections vary greatly in
number of seats, material content, and size. Estimates based on
www.ki.com and visual inspection.
Sound Equipment
Speakers
www.oeavev.com
Sound Equipment
All Others
www.zzounds.com
[a] All websites last accessed on December 21, 2015 unless otherwise noted.
2.2.3 User-Defined Waste Items
Due to the vast array of items that could be found in any given structure type, User-
Defined Waste Items were created to model objects not specified elsewhere in the database. Six
different shapes are included for each material. Small, medium, and large, objects were designed
to model items such as a statue or other piece of furniture. The small and large tubs were
designed to model the tubs of smaller items packaged together. The panel was designed to model
items such as decorative wood panels or glass panes. The shapes and dimensions are as follows:
•	Small object, 24 in x 48 in x 18 in;
•	Medium object, 36 in x 72 in x 27 in;
•	Large object, 48 in x 96 in x 36 in;
14	At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the source of the
information or data currently used in the WME. This URL now redirects to www.4rails.com.
15	The website and URL are not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
2-8

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
•	Small tub, 18 in x 36 in x 18 in;
•	Large tub, 24 in x 48 in x 24 in; and
•	Panel, 36 in x 72 in x 1 in.
The weight of each object was calculated based on the density of the material. Since it
would be unrealistic to assume that the entire volume of the object or tub was filled with the
material, the following assumptions were made:
•	Objects were six sided boxes with a wall thickness listed in Table 2-8;
•	Tubs have a void fraction of 0.5; and
•	Panels were of the thickness listed in Table 2-8. Note that a panel thickness of 1 in is
listed in the database because all dimensions were rounded up to the nearest inch.
The thicknesses are based on the relative strength of the material and typical construction
practices with the material. The weights were rounded to two significant figures.
Table 2-8. Wall Thickness of User-Defined Objects
Miilcriiil
Wnll Thickness (in)
Metal
0.1
Plastics, Polyvinyl Chloride, Glass
0.25
Wood, Particle Board, Paper, Fabric,
Ceramic, Gypsum, Fiberglass Board
0.5
Masonry, Marble, Foam
1.0
2.2.4 Waste Item Properties
Table 2-9 is a summary of the material properties used for the calculation of the heat
content, residual ash, and potential water weight for the items in the Waste Item Database. The
weight and material content, in conjunction with the material properties listed in Table 2-9, are
used to calculate the heat content, residual ash, and potential water weight for each item. The
assumptions and sources used to generate Table 2-9 are detailed in this section.
2.2.4.1	Volume
The volume is calculated by simply multiplying the height by the width and the depth.
All items were assumed to be box-shaped because of packaging prior to shipment.
2.2.4.2	Heat of Combustion
The sources and assumptions used to generate the heats of combustion in Table 2-9 are
listed in Table 2-10. Most values are from literature sources. While most items will have
coatings, screws, and other pieces made from other materials (combustible or non-combustible),
these coatings or pieces are assumed not to have a significant effect on the overall heat content of
the item. The heat content for each item was calculated by multiplying its weight by the heat of
combustion value for the corresponding material.
2-9

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.2.4.3 Density
The densities for all materials unless otherwise noted are from Incorpera16. The following
additional assumptions and sources were used:
•	The density of an unknown wood was assumed to be the average of the density of
hardwood and softwood.
•	The density of an unknown metal was assumed to be that of steel.
•	Because the densities of electronics vary widely, none are given.
•	The densities of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and
nylon are from the NAUE Dictionary17.
•	The density of polystyrene is from CPS Instruments18.
•	The density of an unknown plastic was assumed to be the density of polyethylene.
•	The densities of carpet, fabric, and linoleum were calculated by dividing the weight
per square yard (see Table 2-2 and Table 2-7) by the thickness and converting units.
16	Incropera, F. and Dewitt, D. Fundamentals of Heat andMass Transfer, 5theditionEedition. John Wiley and
Sons, New York, 2002.
17	Naue Fasertechnik Dictionary, http://www.naue.com/english/lexikon/frame/index.html. Viewed January 2004.
The website and URL are not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
18	CPS Instruments. "Analysis of Low Density Particles Using Differential Centrifugal Sedimentation."
http://www.cpsinstruments.com/TechLibrary/LowDensitv.PDF. Viewed January 2004. The website and URL
are not valid as of July 31, 2015.
2-10

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-9. Summary of Properties for Waste Items
Material
Heat of
Com huslion
(Mega joules
(MJ)/kg)
Ileal of Combustion
(British Thermal
Units (BTU)/Ib)[a]
Density (kg/cubic
meter (m3))
Densitv
(lb/ft3)[b]
Ash
Weight
(%)
Damp Water
Weight
(lb IU)/lb
Material)
Soaked Water
Weight
(lb II20 / lb
Material)
Wood
20
8610
615
38
10
0
0
Hardwood (oak,
maple)
20
8610
720
45
10
0
0
Softwood (fir, pine)
20
8610
510
32
10
0
0
Particle Board
18.6
8000
800
50
10
0
0
Paper
19.7
8480
930
58
6
0.41
0.8








Metal
0
0
8000
500
95
0
0
Steel
0
0
8000
500
95
0
0
Aluminum
0
0
2750
170
95
0
0
Copper
0
0
8800
550
95
0
0








Polyethylene
46.3
19900
950
59
5
0
0
Polypropylene
46.4
20000
910
57
5
0
0
Polystyrene
41.4
17800
1050
66
5
0
0
Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
26.0
11200
1380
86
5
0
0
Polyvinyl Chloride
18.0
7750
1380
86
5
0
0
Plastic
46.3
19900
950
59
5
0
0








Kloclronics
9.5
4090


70
0
0








Carpet
21.1
9080
400
25
18
0.68
1.21
Nylon
35.8
15400
1140
71
5
0
0
2-1

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-9. Summary of Properties for Waste Items

Heat of




Damp Water
Soaked Water

Com huslion
Ileal of Combustion


Ash
Weight
Weight

(Mega joules
(British Thermal
Density (kg/cubic
Density
Weight
(lb IU)/lb
(lbll30/lb
Material
(MJ)/kg)
Units (BTU)/Ib)[a]
meter (m3))
(lb/ft3)[b]
(%)
Material)
Material)
Fabric (Wool or
Cotton)
20
8610
550
34
5
1.52
2.85
Foam (Polyurethane)
41.8[d]
18000
70
4.4
5
0.6
1.03
Rubber
29.7[d]
12800
1100
69
5
0
0
Linoleum
20
8610
700
44
5
0
0
Fiberglass (Insulation)
0
0
40
2.5
95
5.84
6.27
Fiberglass (Board)
13
5600
105
6.6
50
0
0








Masonry
0
0
1900
119
95
0
0
Gypsum
0
0
800
50
95
0
0
Glass
0
0
2300
144
95
0
0
Marble
0
0
2680
167
95
0
0
Ceramic
0
0
2000
125
95
0
0
Slate
0
0
2700
169
95
0
0
a] Heats of combustion were converted from MJ/kg to BTU/lb using a conversion factor of 430.28. The results were rounded to three significant figures.
[b]	Densities were converted from kg/m3 to lb/ft3 using a conversion factor of 0.0624302. The results were rounded to two significant figures.
[c]	A density for electronics was not determined.
[d]	These values were listed in BTU/lb and converted to MJ/kg using a conversion factor of 0.0023241. The results were rounded to three significant figures.
2-2

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-10. Basis of the Heat of Combustion Values for Waste Items
Material
Heat of
Com huslion
(MJ/kg)
Heat of
Com huslion
(BTU/lb)[a]
Basis / Rationale
Wood,
Hardwood,
Softwood
20.0
8610
Kittle^
The value is an average for dry wood. Most types
of wood have approximately the same heat of
combustion per kilogram; however, there is a
wide variance in density.
Particle Board
18.6
8000
BIOBIB[c]
Paper
19.7
8480
Kittle^
Metal, Steel,
Copper,
Aluminum
0
0
These materials are assumed not to combust, and
the heat of combustion is negligible.
Polyethylene
46.3
19900
Kittle^
Polypropylene
46.4
20000
Kittle^
Polystyrene
41.4
17800
Kittle^
Polyester (PET)
26
11200
Kittle^
Polyvinyl
Chloride
18.0
7750
Kittle^
Plastic
46.3
19900
For unknown plastics, the heat of combustion of
polyethylene or polypropylene is chosen.
Polyethylene or polypropylene are the most
common plastics used for consumer items.
Electronics
9.5
4090
ICER[d] states that the typical computer is 27%
plastic, and the balance is non-combustible
(metal and glass). The plastics in electronics will
also generally have lower heat content because
26% of plastics used in electronics is PVC[e], and
flame retardants may make up as much as 20%
of the plastic'*1. A heat content of 35 MJ/kg was
assumed for the plastic and multiplied by 27%
plastics in electronics.
Carpet
12.1
9080
Lemieux et al.[§1. Carpet is approximately 50%
fibers and 50% fines (backing) by weight. The
heat of combustion is 29.31 MJ/kg for carpet
fibers and 12.97 MJ/kg for carpet fines.
Nylon
35.8
15400
Calculated based on method from Walters'111.
Fabric
20
8610
Larsson[l] estimates the heat of combustion for
wool and organic fibers (cotton) to be
approximately 20 MJ/kg.
Foam
(polyurethane)
41.8
18000
Hankins^
Rubber
29.7
12800
SPI^
Linoleum
20.0
8610
Linoleum may be made of PVC or linseed oil.
For linseed oil, Larsson[l] estimates the heat of
combustion for natural organic material such as
wool and wood to be approximately 20 MJ/kg.
2-3

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-10. Basis of the Heat of Combustion Values for Waste Items
Material
Heat of
Com huslion
(MJ/kg)
Heat of
Com huslion
(BTU/lb)[a]
Basis / Rationale
Fiberglass
(Insulation)
0
0
Insulation is typically greater than 90% fibrous
glass. Heat of combustion from other additives
assumed to be negligible.
Fiberglass
(Board)
13.0
5600
Fiberglass board is typically polyester with
approximately 30-50% inorganic materials.
Assumed 50% polyester.
Masonry, Glass,
Marble, Ceramic,
Slate, Gypsum
0
0
These materials are assumed not to combust, and
the heat of combustion is negligible.
[a]	Heats of combustion were converted from MJ/kg to BTU/lb using a conversion factor of 430.28. The results
were rounded to three significant figures.
[b]	Kittle, P. "Flammability of Plastics and Polymers Used as Alternate Daily Covers." Rusmar Incorporated, West
Chester, PA, 1993.
[c]	Hofbauer, H. "BIOBIB Database for Biofuels." University of Technology, Vienna.
http://www.vt.tuwien.ac.at/biobib/biobib.html. Viewed January 2004. The website and URL are not valid as of July
31, 2015.
[d]	Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER). Status Report on Waste Electronic and Electrical
Equipment(WEEE). March 2000.
[e]	Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. Poison PCs and Toxic TVs. June 2003.
[f]	John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th edition. Volume 10, page
930. 1993.
[g]	Lemieux, P., Stewart, E. Realff, M., and Mulholland, J. "Emissions Study of Co-Firing Waste Carpet in a Rotary
Kiln." J Environ Manage. 2004 Jan; 70(1): 27-33.
[h]	Walters, R, Federal Aviation Administration. Molar Heat Contributions to Heat of Combustion. DOT/FAA/AR-
TN01/75. U.S. Department of Transportation, Springfield, VA. September 2001.
[i]	Larsson, Y. Recycling o/Materials in Rail Vehicles. Lulea Tekniska University, 2001.
[j] Hankins, J. "Hazards Associated with the Storage of Flexible Polyurethane Foam in Warehouse Situations" In:
Proceedings of the Polyurethane Foam Association. Factory Mutual Research, October 9 and 10, 1997.
[k] The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI). "Community Involvement - Incineration."
http://www.plasticsindustrv.org/outreach/environment/2110.htm. Viewed January 2004. The website and URL are
not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference
remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
2.2.4.4 Residual Ash
The amount of residual ash left after combustion was determined based on the
assumptions made in Table 2-11. These assumptions account for the small percentage of the
weight from coatings, screws, and other pieces made from other materials. The amount of
residual ash was calculated by multiplying the weight of the object by the ash weight percent
listed in Table 2-9 and Table 2-11.
2-4

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Total ash will often be some combination of bottom ash and fly ash. For example, the
incineration of a wooden desk will result in some ash contribution to the material discharged
from the grate (bottom ash) and some ash contribution to the particulate "catch" by the
electrostatic precipitator, baghouse, and/or scrubber. In the case of the incineration of a metal
desk, virtually all of the residual material would end up as bottom ash.
Table 2-11. Basis of the Residual Ash for Materials
Miilcriiil
% Weight
Ash Residue
Bnsis / Riiliomile
Wood, Hardwood, Softwood,
Particle Board
10
BIOBIB[a] estimates the ash content of waste wood is
5.82%. 10% is assumed to account for screws, nails,
handles and other non-combustible items.
Paper
6
BIOBIB[a]
Metal, Steel, Copper,
Aluminum
95
The metal is assumed to remain in the ash; however,
95% is assumed to account for the paints, coatings, and
other attached plastic pieces that will combust.
Polyethylene, Polypropylene,
Polystyrene, Polyester (PET),
Polyvinyl Chloride, Plastic
5
APME[b] lists the ash residue to be 0.1% of the original
weight; however, plastics may contain large quantities
of inorganic fillers. 5% ash assumed as an average.
Electronics
70
ICER[c] states the typical computer is 27% plastic and
the balance non-combustible (metal and glass). 70% ash
estimated.
Carpet
18
Lemieux et al.[d]. Carpet is approximately 50% fibers
and 50% fines (backing) by weight. The ash residue is
7.7% for carpet fibers and 29.2% for carpet fines.
Nylon, Fabric, Foam,
Rubber, Linoleum
5
Organic material. 5% assumed.
Fiberglass (Insulation)
95
Insulation is typically greater than 90% fibrous glass.
Assumed that 5% of weight combusts.
Fiberglass (Board)
50
Fiberglass board is typically polyester with
approximately 30-50% inorganic materials. Assumed
50% non-combustible inorganics.
Masonry, Glass, Marble,
Ceramic, Slate, Gypsum
95
The material is assumed to remain in the ash; however,
95% is assumed to account for the paints, coatings, and
other attached plastic pieces that will combust.
[a]	Hofbauer, H. "BIOBIB Database for Biofuels." University of Technology, Vienna.
http://www.vt.tuwien.ac.at/biobib/biobib.html. Viewed January 2004. The website and URL are not valid as of July
31, 2015.
[b]	Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME). "Incineration of PET Packaging Article and of
Municipal Solid Waste Containing PET." March, 2001.
[c]	Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER). Status Report on Waste Electronic and Electrical
Equipment (WEEE). March, 2000.
[d]	Lemieux, P., Stewart, E. Realff, M., and Mulholland, J. "Emissions Study of Co-Firing Waste Carpet in a Rotary
Kiln." Journal of Environmental Management 70(1), January 2004, 27-33.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.2.4.5 Water Weight
Water weights were determined by an experiment performed on January 20, 2004 by
Aaron Osborne of ERG. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the water retention
(amount of water a material can hold) of carpet, fabric, foam, insulation, and paper for use in the
Waste Item Database. The following samples were collected:
•	Carpet, 28 ounces per square yard (oz/yd2) fiber weight, approximately one square
foot (ft2);
•	Cotton fabric, similar to t-shirt fabric, approximately five ft2;
•	Cotton fabric, similar to towel fabric, approximately 2.5 ft2;
•	Foam pad from an office chair, approximately 16 in x 22 in x 2 in;
•	Fiberglass insulation with paper backing, approximately 6 in x 10 in x 8 in; and
•	Paper, 250 sheets of 20 lb office paper.
The following procedure was performed on each sample:
•	The samples were weighed dry.
•	The samples were sprayed with a hose until completely saturated.
•	Excess water was allowed to flow off the samples until water no longer dripped
rapidly.
•	The soaked samples were weighed.
•	The samples were mechanically wrung (as possible) and beaten in the air for one
minute.
•	The damp samples were weighed.
•	The damp and soaked weights were divided by the dry weight to determine the water
retention of the sample.
The results are presented in Table 2-12.
Table 2-12. Water Retention of Various Samples
Siiniple
Drv Weight
0b)
Tot ill Diinip
Weight
0b)
Diimp Water
Retention
(lb water/ lb
material)1*1
Totiil Soiiked
Weight
(lb)
Soiiked W ilier
Retention
(lb water/ lb
ni iileriiil)
Carpet
0.49
0.82
0.68
1.08
1.21
Cotton Fabric, T-
shirt
0.39
0.93
1.37
1.27
2.22
Cotton Fabric,
Towel
0.39
1.03
1.66
1.74
3.48
Foam
1.32
2.11
0.60
2.68
1.03
Fiberglass
Insulation
0.23
1.58
5.84
1.68
6.27
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-12. Water Retention of Various Samples
Sample
Drv Weight
(lb)
Total Damp
Weight
Ob)
Dump Wnter
Retention
(lb water/ lb
material)[a]
Total Soaked
Weight
(lb)
Soaked Water
Retention
(lb water/lb
material)
Paper
2.53
3.57
0.41
4.54
0.80
a] Designed to simulate wet-vacuumed or otherwise de-watered material.
2.2.5 Default Waste Item Inventories
Default structure inventories are similar to the WME in that they provide a basic estimate
of the quantity of material that may require disposal in the event of an incident based on a few
simple input parameters (e.g., square footage, number of employees). However, instead of just
providing an estimate for broad categories of material (e.g., furniture), the default structure
inventories include a specific list of items that comprise the broad waste category (e.g., number
of desks, office chairs, folding tables). Default structure inventories are available for all structure
types in the WME and can be accessed either through the Incident Planning section of the tool,
or through the Chem/Bio Guidance Section of the tool.
Default structure inventories were generated based on information collected during the
development of the WME. The user-supplied inputs entered into the WME are multiplied by
waste item factors (e.g., offices have approximately 1.1 computers per employee) to create a
sample inventory for the structure.
If multiple input parameters are entered into the WME for schools, offices, or movie
theaters (e.g., total office square footage and number of office employees), the WME will select
the preferred parameter when creating the default structure inventories. Additional information
on the preferential estimates for each structure type can be found in Sections 2.5.6, 2.6.3, and
2.7.3.
When using a default inventory within an incident planning and response record, the user
can specify the type of treatment facility or disposal facility for each category of waste by
selecting the facility type from the drop down list beside each waste category. For example, the
user can specify that all electronic equipment is sent to a large landfill and all paper is sent to a
large municipal waste combustion facility. Additionally, the user may choose to remove a waste
category from the default structure inventory (e.g., if drywall is not being removed from the
structure). After the inventory is generated, the user may modify the default structure inventory
to add or remove items specific to the structure, as appropriate (e.g., aluminum siding may be
selected over the default vinyl siding). The default structure inventories are designed to be a
starting point for the user, not an authoritative list.
The default item inventories for each structure type do not currently include individual
building structural items and materials. Therefore, the default inventories generated include only
items that comprise the non-structural/interior waste categories. Because of rounding errors, the
total weight and volume of the items in the default structure inventories may vary slightly from
estimates generated by the WME. Additionally, because the tool always assumes at least one of
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
each item, it may not be appropriate for small facilities (e.g., one copier is estimated for a cubical
office arrangement ranging from 1 to 50 employees).
To minimize the number of and variation of items, items of similar materials, weights,
and dimensions were combined. For example, a desktop fax machine is very similar in
dimensions and material content to a desktop printer. Additionally, while a structure may have
five-foot, six-foot, and eight-foot folding tables, the default structure inventory contains only six-
foot folding tables. In all cases, the user can add or remove items to further refine and tailor the
inventory.
Note that while users can select to account for the additional weight and volume of
packaging materials in the WME estimates, packaging material is not accounted for in the
default inventories. Similarly, all paper is assumed to be removed from furniture prior to
shipment, regardless of the specifications defined when generating the WME estimate. However,
the default inventories do account for the extensive decorations/marble that may be found in a
luxury hotel, the removal of residential foundations, and material found in common areas at
shopping malls if specified for inclusion. In a future version of the tool, structural materials will
also be included in the default inventories. Although structural materials are estimated in the
WME, only non-structural materials are included in the item inventories in version 6.1.
2.3 Hospitals
This section discusses the data sources, methodology, and assumptions used to generate
the waste category factors and the waste item factors for hospitals, including a description of
each waste category, and a brief analysis of the data quality. This information was originally
presented in a memorandum dated January 4, 2008.19
2.3.1 Data Sources
The factors for hospitals were generated based on a site visit to a hospital, partial hospital
inventories, national hospital statistical data, a report on medical waste generation, and weights
and dimensions of items from hospital equipment supplier catalogs.
2.3.1.1 Site Visit
INOVA Health System allowed ERG to visit a 900 bed hospital in Northern Virginia. At
the hospital, an inventory was conducted of all furniture, electronic equipment, fixtures, and
other items. Note that only one set of similar item rooms was inventoried. For example, only one
patient room on each floor (e.g., emergency, labor and delivery, cardiac, intensive care) was
inventoried, because all rooms of each type were similar. Inventories were recorded on
appropriate checklists. The quantity of duct work, ventilation systems, drywall, and other
building materials was estimated by reviewing the structure's floor plans.
19 Memorandum from Aaron Osborne (ERG) to Susan Thorneloe and Paul Lemieux (EPA), Summary of
Methodology and Data Collection for the Hospital WME (WME) and Default Structure Inventories, January 4,
2008.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.3.1.2	Hospital Inventories
While INOVA did not have a master inventory of all items at the hospital, the following
inventories were available for the hospital visited and used for the development of the Hospital
WME factors:
•	Patient care equipment (e.g., patient beds, IV pumps, ventilators);
•	Laboratory and surgical equipment (e.g., anesthesia units, drills, blood analyzers);
•	Imaging equipment (e.g., CT scanners, X-ray machines);
•	Standard pharmaceuticals kept in stock; and
•	Linens.
2.3.1.3	National Hospital Statistical Data
The American Hospital Association (AHA) provided comprehensive national statistics on
the size and breakdown (i.e., number of beds per specialty) of hospitals.20 These data are based
on extensive national surveys conducted by AHA from 1980-2004 and were used to ensure that
the model hospital developed by ERG to calculate the Hospital WME factors was consistent with
a typical hospital in the United States. Additionally, the American Society for Healthcare
Environmental Services (ASHES) of AHA provided a guidance document on recommended
practices for disaster readiness and recovery for hospitals.21 While this document was used to
develop the disposal guidance presented in the tool, it was not used to develop the WME factors.
2.3.1.4	Medical Waste Generation Rates
The Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management conducted a survey to
estimate the quantity of medical waste generated in Florida. Based on survey responses from 35
hospitals in the state of Florida, an average metropolitan community hospital generates 189
pounds of medical waste per occupied bed per month (rural community hospitals averaged 134
pounds per occupied bed per month).22 The estimate includes medical waste Types A through
H.23 The tool uses the data for metropolitan hospitals and assumes 90% occupancy and a
maximum of three days of medical waste remaining at the hospital at any given time (one day's
worth in patient care areas and two additional days9 worth in storage for transport was provided
20	American Hospital Association (AHA). 2006 AHA Hospital Statistics. Health Forum, LLC, 2006.
21	American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES). Recommended Practice Series: Disaster
Readiness & Recovery. Metalog, Inc., 2006.
22	Sengupta, S. Medical Waste Generation, Treatment and Disposal Practices in the State of Florida, Florida
Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Report #90-3, June 1990.
http://www.hinklevcenter.com/publications/sengupta 90-3.pdf. The website and URL are not valid as of
January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the
source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
23	For a definition of the types of medical waste, see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of
Medical Waste Generation and Treatment and Disposal Practices in New York and New Jersey. USEPA
Region 2 and Office of Solid Waste. January 30, 1989. http://www.p2pavs.org/ref%5C02/01260/01260.pdf
(last accessed September 9, 2015).
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
as conservative estimates by hospital contacts) to generate medical waste estimates (i.e., 189
lb/occupied bed-month x 0.9 occupied beds/total beds x 3 days/30 days/month = 17 lb/bed).
2.3.1.5 Item Weights and Dimensions
To estimate the total weight and volume of all items at a structure, the weight and volume
of each item must be known. Weights and dimensions for many items at a hospital were already
included in the Waste Item Database located within the I-WASTE DST. Additional hospital
items were added to the database based on weights and dimensions found in catalogs of common
hospital equipment vendors (e.g., MedlOnline - www.medlonline.com24, GE Healthcare -
www. gehe althc are. c om-).
2.3.2 Methodology
The methodology used to develop estimates for hospitals is similar to the methodology
used for other structure types (e.g., offices, schools, hotels, movie theaters; see later sections).
For hospitals, estimates are based on the number of beds in the hospital. While other parameters
could apply (e.g. total structure square footage, number of intensive care beds versus non-critical
care beds), the number of beds is the most common metric in the industry and most broadly
applicable for community hospitals. Additionally, number of beds was recommended as the best
metric by hospital management personnel consulted for the development of this tool.
2.3.2.1	Model Hospital Inventory
ERG used the data sources previously described to create an inventory of a model
hospital. This inventory was primarily based on the inventories provided by INOVA and
supplemented with data collected during the site visit. Additionally, the structure floor plans
were reviewed to estimate the quantities of building materials. The distribution of beds between
hospital wards (e.g., emergency, labor and delivery, cardiac, intensive care) was normalized
based on national hospital statistics provided by AHA. Smaller items were placed in "boxes"
based on the approximate weight of each item (e.g., keyboards, security cameras, extension
cords, etc., were placed in "boxes of electronics"). Additionally, similar items were grouped
(e.g., gauze, bandages, casting material, etc., were placed in "boxes of medical supplies"). The
inventory for the model hospital was divided between patient care areas (e.g., patient rooms,
nurse's stations, operating rooms, waiting rooms, cafeterias) and non-patient care areas (e.g.,
management offices, maintenance offices, food preparation areas, laboratories, storage areas).
This model inventory was used to create the waste item factors for the default structure
inventories and the waste category factors for the WME.
2.3.2.2	Default Structure Inventories
To create the parameters used to generate default structure inventories, each item on the
master inventory was divided by the number of beds of the model hospital to generate the Item
24	The website and URL are not valid as of January 7, 2011. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid
URL and this reference remains the source of the information or data currently used in the WME.
25	Last accessed December 21, 2015.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Factors (e.g., the hospital had 179 ventilators and 900 beds, which equals 0.2 ventilators per
bed). Separate Item Factors were developed for items in the entire hospital and items located in
patient care areas (see Section 2.3.3). To minimize the number of items and resulting complexity,
items of similar materials, weights, and dimensions were combined. For example, a desktop fax
machine is very similar in dimensions and material content to a desktop printer. Additionally,
while a hospital may have multiple types of CT and MRI machines, the default structure
inventories only contain an estimate for the number of Computerized Tomography
(CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. In all cases, the user can add or remove items
to further refine and tailor the inventory to the user's specific needs.
To generate default structure inventories, the tool multiplies each waste item factor by the
number of beds (e.g., 0.2 ventilators per bed x 500 beds = 100 ventilators).
2.3.2.3 Waste Category Estimates
Similar items in the inventories were grouped into the waste categories described in
greater detail in Section 2.3.5. A weight and volume were assigned to each item in the waste
category based on information in the waste item database. The total weight and volume for the
waste category were calculated by summing the individual weights and volumes of all items in
the category. The total weight and volume of each waste category was divided by the number of
beds for the model hospital. Separate waste category factors were developed for items in the
entire hospital and items located in patient care areas (see Section 2.3.3).
To generate waste estimates for the quantity of items and material that may require
disposal, the tool multiplies the respective waste category factor by each input parameter
according to the following equation:
Ewc-i = (WCFi)(IPx)(l + PMF)	(Eq. 2-1)
where:
Ewc-i
WCT,
IPx
PMF
Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or cubic yards (yd3)
Waste category factor for waste category /, tons/bed or yd3/bed (from
Table 2-13)
Input parameter value for structure type x, beds
Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-14)
For hospitals, the only input parameter required to generate waste estimates is the number
of beds.
2.3.3 Waste Category Factors
Based on the data and methodology presented above, Table 2-13 presents the factors used
by the WME to generate order of magnitude estimates of the quantity of items and materials that
may require disposal from a hospital. A description of the items that are included in each waste
category is presented in Section 2.3.5, below. The tool also allows the user to account for the
additional weight and volume added by packaging materials. Additionally, estimates are
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
available that account for only materials in patient care areas. These available adjustments are
described further, below.
Table 2-13. WME Interior/Non-Structural Waste Category Factors (WCFs) for Hospitals



WCF
(tons/bed)
WCF
(yd3/bed)
Waste Category
WCF
(tons/bed)
WOK
(yd3/bed)
Patient Care
Areas Only
Patient Care
Areas Only
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
3.09[a]
13.8[a]
1.91[a]
8.53[a]
Drywall
1.74
5.74
1.05
3.44
Ceiling Tiles
0.37
4.81
0.23
3.08
Carpet
0.13
0.65
0.01
0.05
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.85
2.57
0.62
1.97
Electronic Equipment
1.20[b]
13.2[b]
0.77[b]
8.46[b]
Patient Care Equipment
0.24
2.89
0.23
2.86
Imaging Equipment
0.05
0.52
0.05
0.52
Laboratory/Surgery
Equipment
0.24
1.58
0.13
0.64
Industrial Electronic
Equipment
0.21
1.75
0.08
0.52
Other Electronic Equipment
0.46
6.48
0.28
3.93
Furniture
1.61[c]
20.5[c]
0.62[c]
10.5[c]
Patient Care Furniture
0.21
3.39
0.19
3.04
Office and Other Furniture
1.40
17.12
0.43
7.41
Medical Supplies
0.17
1.46
0.11
0.93
Pharmaceuticals
0.02
0.18
0.01
0.05
Linens
0.02
0.04
0.02
0.04
Food
0.11
0.31
0.00
0.01
Paper/Office Supplies
0.36
3.29
0.02
0.18
Medical Waste
0.01
0.19
0.00
0.06
Other Items & Equipment
0.07
1.56
0.03
0.98
TOTAL
6.66[d]
54.5[d]
3.49[d]
29.7[d]
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste category estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Other Non-Structural Building
Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Patient Care, Imaging, Laboratory/Surgery, Industrial, and Other Electronic
Equipment waste categories.
[c]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Furniture is calculated by adding the individual waste quantity
estimates for the Patient Care and Office and Other Furniture waste categories.
[d]	The Total estimated waste quantity is calculated by adding the individual estimates for Total Non-Structural
Building Materials, Electronic Equipment, and Furniture, and the individual waste quantity estimates for the
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Medical Supplies, Pharmaceuticals, Linens, Food, Paper/Office Supplies, Medical Waste, and Other Items and
Equipment waste categories.
2.3.3.1 Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If items are packaged prior to shipment, the packing material will increase the volume
and weight. If the user chooses to account for this increase in volume and weight, the volume of
the estimate for each waste material category will increase by 10% and the weight of the each
estimate will increase by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packing material
may vary based on the type and shape of the item, the type of packing material used, and the
packing requirements for the various contaminants. Note that packaging material is not
accounted for in the default structure inventories.
Table 2-14. Packaging Materials Factors (PMFs) for Hospitals
Wasle Category Kstimate Based On...
PMF
Weight
0.05
Volume
0.10
2.3.3.2 Materials in Patient Care Areas
In the event of a contamination incident at a hospital, contamination may be isolated to
patient care areas (e.g., a contaminated patient infects only the emergency room). Therefore, only
a portion of the hospital may require decontamination and disposal. Patient care areas include
patient rooms, nurses' stations, operating rooms, waiting rooms, cafeterias, and other areas that
patients commonly pass through. Non-patient care areas include management offices,
maintenance offices, food preparation areas, laboratories, and storage areas. If the box is
checked, only waste generated from patient care areas will be included in the estimate. If the box
is not checked, items and materials from the entire hospital will be included in the estimate. Note
that items and materials from non-patient care rooms located within patient care areas (e.g., an
office on the same hall as a patient room) will still be included in the estimate if the box is
checked.
2.3.4 Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of waste materials
from a hospital:
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from any decontamination
fluid is not accounted for.
•	Drywall and ceiling tiles will not be neatly stacked when packaged for shipment. The
base volume of drywall and ceiling tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied
by a factor of 1.3 to determine the total volume including void space.
•	Since some buildings may be constructed without one or more of the listed building
materials (i.e., drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet), or because these materials may not be
removed during a decontamination process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, and
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
carpet are broken out separately within the Non-Structural Building Materials
category.
• All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
2.3.5 Category Descriptions
Descriptions, additional details, and assumptions for each interior/non-structural waste
category are described in Table 2-15 below.
Table 2-15. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hospitals
Waste ( ategorv
Description
Total Non-
Structural
Building
Materials
This estimate assumes the hospital is gutted and includes the estimates for
drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet, as well as restroom equipment (i.e., toilets,
sinks, stall dividers, etc.), doors, other floor coverings (e.g., ceramic tiles,
linoleum), and ventilation systems. Sprinkler systems, piping, and frames
supporting the drywall are assumed to remain in place and are also not
included in this estimate. Since some buildings may be constructed without
using drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet, or because these materials may not be
removed during the decontamination process, estimates for these materials
are broken out separately within the building materials category.
Drywall
This estimate includes drywall on walls and ceilings. Frames supporting the
drywall are not included in this estimate. This estimate is based on hospitals
where approximately 90% of the interior walls are covered with drywall
(only utility and back storage room walls were not covered with drywall).
Ceiling heights used to generate the drywall estimate are 9 feet for patient
care areas, hallways, and offices and 12 feet for lobbies and cafeterias. Only
minimal use of drywall on ceilings was observed in the hospital visited (e.g.,
vaulted ceilings in atria). Because drywall will not be neatly stacked when
removed from a building, the base volume of drywall (i.e., length x width x
height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including
void spaces.
Ceiling Tiles
This estimate includes ceiling tiles and frames. Almost all ceilings in the
hospital visited were covered with ceiling tiles (only ceilings in utility and
back storage room walls were not covered with ceiling tiles). Because tiles
will not be neatly stacked when removed from a building, the base volume of
tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at
the total volume including void spaces.
Carpet
This estimate includes only carpet on floors. Carpet padding is not included
because padding was not found at the hospital visited. Carpet was used in
waiting rooms, staff lounges, gift shops, dining areas, and approximately
70% of the offices. Carpet was assumed to be rolled and dry.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-15. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hospitals
Waste ( ategorv
Descri ption
Other Non-
Structural
Building
Materials
This estimate includes all building material not included in other building
material subcategories (Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, and Carpet). The building
materials in this estimate include restroom equipment, doors, glass panes,
other floor coverings, duct work, and vents.
Electronic
Equipment
Included in this category is the estimate for Patient Care Equipment, Imaging
Equipment, Laboratory/Surgery Equipment, Industrial Electronic Equipment,
and Other Electronic Equipment. While this estimate includes air handlers, it
does not include boilers and other climate control equipment located on the
exterior of the hospital. Additional types of materials that were not included
are wiring, elevators, and escalators.
Patient Care
Equipment
This estimate includes intravenous (IV) pumps, vital statistics monitors,
ventilators, incubators, and other electrical patient care equipment.
Imaging
Equipment
This estimate includes x-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, and
other associated imaging electronic equipment.
Laboratory/Equi
pment
This estimate includes electronic equipment used in hospital laboratories
(e.g., blood analyzers, centrifuges) and electronic surgical equipment (e.g.,
blood transfusion units, anesthesia units, scopes/surgical cameras).
Industrial
Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all kitchen electronic equipment (i.e., industrial ovens,
freezers, etc.), air handlers, laundry equipment, circuit breaker boxes, and
telephone routing boxes.
Other Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all electrical items not listed in the categories above,
including computers, televisions, telephones, vacuums, and lights and light
fixtures.
Furniture
This estimate includes all items in the Patient Care Furniture and Office and
Other Furniture categories presented below. The volume for each item was
determined by multiplying the overall dimensions. All items are assumed to
still be fully assembled. Only minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g.,
folding tables and chairs are folded).
Patient Care
Furniture
This estimate includes patient beds, infant cribs, examining tables, wheel
chairs, and other furniture used for patient care.
Office and Other
Furniture
This estimate includes office furniture (e.g., desks, office chairs, filing
cabinets) found at nurses' stations, registration, and other offices throughout
the hospital. The estimate also includes all other non-patient care furniture
(e.g., storage cabinets, storage shelves, trash cans).
Supplies
This estimate includes all items in the Medical Supplies, Pharmaceuticals,
Linens, Food, and Paper/Office Supplies categories presented below.
Medical Supplies
This estimate includes all of the disposable medical supplies throughout the
hospital including gauze, medical tape, tongue depressors, bed pans, IV bags,
needles, etc.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-15. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hospitals
Waste ( ategorv
Descri ption
Pharmaceuticals
This estimate includes all pharmaceuticals and associated liquid reagents and
solvents in the hospital. The estimate is based on the quantity of storage
space for pharmaceuticals at a hospital. Please note that many
pharmaceuticals are regulated hazardous waste under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Additional guidance is provided in
the tool on safely disposing of pharmaceuticals.
Linens
This estimate is based on data on the standard hospital use rate of linens,
including sheets, pillow cases, towels, and patient gowns.
Food
This estimate is based on inventories of all standard food kept on hand. The
amount of food on hand may be significantly lower between deliveries.
Paper/Office
Supplies
This estimate is based on the assumption that all office filing cabinets,
bookshelves, etc., are 75% full of paper and office supplies. Additionally,
phone books, toilet paper, janitorial paper products, food service paper
products (e.g., plates, napkins), and other paper products are also included in
this estimate.
Medical Waste
The estimate includes medical waste Types A through H^. The tool uses the
data for metropolitan hospitals and assumes 90% occupancy and a maximum
of three days of medical waste remaining at the hospital at any given time to
generate medical waste estimates (i.e., 189 lb/occupied bed-month x 0.9
occupied beds/total beds x 3 days/30 days/month =17 lb/bed). Additional
guidance is provided in the tool on medical waste handling and disposal.
Other Items and
Equipment
This estimate includes all other materials found at hospitals, including dishes
and cookware, pictures and posters, janitorial carts, cleaning supplies,
maintenance supplies (e.g., cans of paint, tools), and plants.
[a] For a definition of the types of medical waste, see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Characterization of
Medical Waste Generation and Treatment and Disposal Practices in New York and New Jersey. USEPA Region 2
and Office of Solid Waste. January 30, 1989. http://www.p2pavs.org/refVo5C02/01260/01260.pdf
2.3.6 Data Analysis and Quality
The estimates are based on community hospitals. While specialized hospitals (e.g.,
cardiovascular centers, orthopedic hospitals) are expected to contain similar quantities of items,
the applicability of the estimates to these types of facilities is uncertain.
Because only one site visit was conducted, it is impossible to perform a statistical
analysis of the data used to generate the waste and item category factors. However, the model
hospital was normalized based on national hospital statistics collected through a large national
survey conducted by AHA. Additionally, based on conversations with the AHA and its members,
the contents of most patient care areas are fairly typical and standard among community
hospitals (i.e., patient rooms are fairly standard among hospitals). Therefore, ERG believes that
estimates made based on these factors are appropriate for the order of magnitude estimations
required for the WME.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.4 Hotels
This section discusses the data sources, methodology, and assumptions used to generate
the waste category factors and the waste item factors for hotels, including a description of each
waste category, and a brief analysis of the data quality. This information was originally presented
in a memorandum dated October 14, 2005.26
2.4.1 Data Sources
The factors for hotels were generated based on site visits to two hotels, information from
and discussions with Marriott International management personnel, partial hotel inventories, and
weights and dimensions of items from the American Hotel Register catalog.
2.4.1.1	Site Visits
Marriott International allowed ERG to visit two of their hotels for the development of the
Hotel WME. The first hotel was a large conference center hotel with:
•	322 standard guest rooms (261 with two queen-size beds and 61 with one king-size
bed);
•	8 suite guest rooms;
•	32,500 ft2 of meeting rooms; and
•	548 restaurant seats.
The second hotel visited was an extended-stay type hotel with 123 suite rooms (81 studio
suites, 30 one-bedroom suites, and 12 two-bedroom suites). The hotel also contained one small
500 ft2 meeting room and a continental breakfast area with 48 seats.
At each site visited, an inventory was conducted of all furniture, electronic equipment,
fixtures, and other items. Note that only one guest room of each room type (e.g., studio suite,
one-bedroom suite, two-bedroom suite) was inventoried, because all rooms of each type are
identical. Inventories were recorded on appropriate checklists. The quantity of duct work,
ventilation systems, drywall, and other building materials, was estimated by reviewing the
structure's floor plans.
2.4.1.2	Hotel Inventories
While Marriott Hotels did not have master inventories of all items in the hotel, the
following inventories were available for the hotels visited and used for the development of the
waste category factors:
•	Standard food kept in stock for most restaurant and conference activities (note that
additional food may be ordered for large conferences and events);
26 Memorandum from Aaron Osborne (ERG) to Susan Thorneloe and Paul Lemieux (EPA), Summary of
Methodology and Data Collection for the Hotel Back-of-the-envelope Estimator (BoEE), October 14, 2005.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
•	Electronic equipment for conference and event support;
•	Dishware, silverware, and serving items;
•	Toiletries, paper products, and cleaning products;
•	Conference and event tables, chairs, etc., and associated linens; and
•	Standard items purchased for the startup of a new hotel.
2.4.1.3	Information from Marriott International
In addition to allowing the site visits and providing inventories, Marriott International
also provided ERG with extensive information on the hotel industry including the following:
•	Standard designs and floor plans. Many new chain hotels are designed based on
standard floor plans and built at multiple locations. Standard floor plans for several
Marriott brand hotels (e.g., Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn) are available at
http://marriott.com/development/default.mi7WT Ref=mi left and were reviewed to
gain an understanding of typical hotel proportions (e.g., how the number of guest
rooms compares to laundry structure size). The extended-stay type hotel visited is
very similar to the standard plans reviewed.
•	Standard hotel practices. Many items are kept in proportion to the number of rooms
or beds. For example, four sets of sheets are kept for each bed (i.e., one dirty sheet is
on a bed, one clean sheet is ready to be put on the bed, one sheet is being cleaned, and
one sheet is in transit or extra), and 16 sets of towels are kept for each room (i.e., four
clean sets, etc.).
•	Back room and office association. Several back rooms and offices (e.g., laundry,
administrative offices, marketing, etc.) may be associated with both serving the guest
rooms and conference or restaurant portions of the hotel (e.g., the laundry washes
both sheets and towels for the guest room beds, as well as table cloths and napkins for
the restaurant). The percentage of each back room or office associated with guest
rooms, conference structure, and restaurant was determined based on discussions with
Marriott management personnel.
2.4.1.4	Item Weights and Dimensions
To estimate the total weight and volume of items and materials at a structure, the weight
and volume of each item must be known. Weights and dimensions for many items at a hotel were
already included in the waste item database located within the I-WASTE DST. Additional hotel
items were added to the database based on weights and dimensions found in the American Hotel
Register 2005/2006 Catalog (most weights and dimensions are also available online at
www.americanhotelregister.com). Marriott and several other hotel companies use American
Hotel Register to supply many of the items found in their hotels.
2.4.2 Methodology
The extensive differences between hotels posed a unique challenge for the WME. For
schools and offices, variations within a structure type are accounted for by multiple sub-structure
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
types (i.e., elementary, middle, and high schools) requiring only one parameter to generate
estimates within an order of magnitude. While two parameters may be entered for offices and
schools, waste material estimates are made independently for each parameter. However, this
approach was not the most appropriate for generating estimates within an order of magnitude for
hotels. While hotels could be broken down into several sub-structure types to represent the
differences between hotels (e.g., interstate hotels with no restaurant or meeting space, large
inner-city hotels with multiple restaurants, shops, and meeting rooms) and estimates made based
on number of guest rooms or total square footage, hotels within each class may still vary
significantly within each sub-structure type. For example, Marriott facilities with 40,000 ft2 of
meeting rooms may have between 300 and 1,500 guest rooms. Therefore, instead of different
input parameters providing independent WME estimates, the WME allows users to "build" their
own hotel by entering the following multiple independent input parameters for each hotel area
fraction: standard guest rooms, suite guest rooms, meeting rooms, and restaurant space.
•	Number of standard guest rooms. Standard guest rooms are typically one room with
one or two beds, a desk and a few chairs, a few end tables, a dresser or bureau, a
television and telephone, several lamps and lights, and a bathroom. Based on the
number of standard guest rooms, the estimator calculates the quantity of items and
materials for all standard guest rooms, hallways associated with the guest rooms,
main lobby, exercise rooms, and equipment for indoor pools (the pool itself is not
included). The estimate also includes the portions of offices (e.g., janitorial office,
administrative office), kitchen, laundry rooms, and utility rooms associated with
lodging.
•	Number of suite guest rooms. Suite guest rooms are typically several rooms with a
kitchenette, dining area, couches with an additional television in addition to the items
in a standard guest room. Because of the significant differences in the quantity of
items and materials between the different types of guest rooms, specifically, the
additional furniture and electronic equipment in a suite room, the tool requests both
the number of standard guest rooms and the number of suite guest rooms. While
separating standard and suite rooms may not result in a significant difference in total
items and materials if only two percent of the hotel's rooms are suites, the separation
does represent a significant difference for extended-stay type hotels with all suite
rooms. Additionally, during the site visits to develop these factors, larger hotels with
conference facilities tended to have drywall ceilings in most rooms. However, in
newer extended-stay type hotels with all suite guest rooms, ceilings were not covered
with drywall. Therefore, estimates for standard rooms include drywall on ceilings and
estimates for suite rooms do not. This estimate also includes the appropriate portion
of the items and materials in rooms associated with lodging, discussed above for
standard guest rooms (e.g., hallways, janitorial rooms).
•	Square footage of meeting rooms, not including foyer space in front of the meeting
rooms or other square footage associated with the meeting rooms, the most common
way hotels measure their meeting space. The information is available on most hotel
websites. The estimator may not provide accurate estimates for hotels with limited
meeting space (e.g., one 20 ft x 20 ft meeting room). The quantity of items and
materials associated with one small meeting room of this size is minimal compared to
the quantity of items and materials associated with the guest rooms. Based on the
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
square footage of meeting rooms, the estimator calculates the quantity of waste from
all meeting rooms, storage rooms, restrooms, hallways, and lobbies associated with
the conference structure. The estimate also includes the portions of offices (e.g.,
marketing office, administrative office), kitchen, laundry rooms, and utility rooms
associated with the conference space.
• Total number of restaurant seats, including bar seats. While a hotel may have
multiple restaurants, using the total number of seats is the easiest value to use for
estimating the waste. Using the square footage associated with the restaurants may
cause confusion of what square footage to include and would require the use of the
building floor plans. Based on the total number of restaurant seats, the estimator
calculates the quantity of items and materials from the dining rooms, storage rooms,
and hallways associated with the restaurants and bars. The estimate also includes the
portions of offices (e.g., marketing office, administrative office), kitchen, laundry
rooms, and utility rooms associated with the restaurant.
ERG used the data sources previously described to create model inventories for each part
of the hotel (i.e., standard guest rooms, suite guest rooms, meeting space, and restaurants). The
three data sources were combined to create the model inventories with actual hotel inventories
used first, followed by hotel standards, and finally inventories taken during site visits (i.e., if the
hotel had a known inventory of 124 six-foot round meeting tables, that value would be used over
the number of tables counted during the site visit). Model inventories for standard guest rooms,
conference space, and restaurants were based mainly on information from the large conference
center hotel, while the model inventory for suite guest rooms was based mainly on the extended-
stay suite hotel visited.
2.4.2.1 Waste Category Estimates
Similar items in the model inventory were grouped into the waste material categories,
described in greater detail in Section 2.4.5. A weight and volume was assigned to each item in
the waste material category based on information in the Waste Item Database. The total weight
and volume for the waste material category was calculated by summing the individual weights
and volumes of all items in the category. The total weight and volume of each waste material
category was divided by the parameter appropriate for the model inventory (e.g., the model
inventory for conference space was for a structure with 32,500 ft2 of meeting room space) to
generate the waste material factors for hotels.
To generate estimates for the quantity of items and materials, the tool multiplies the
respective waste category factor (listed in Table 2-17 through Table 2-20) by each input
parameter for each hotel sub-structure. The waste estimate from each input parameter is summed
and presented to the user (i.e., 100 tons of drywall associated with standard guest rooms plus 30
tons of drywall associated with meeting rooms equals 130 tons of drywall for the structure). This
approach allows the estimator to better account for the differences between hotels. If a hotel does
not have meeting space, the user could simply enter "0" for square footage of meeting rooms,
and no items or materials associated with meeting rooms would be included in the estimate.
Ewc_i = Z (WCFiy)(IPxy)(! + PMF)	(Eq. 2-2)
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
where:
Ewc-i = Estimate of waste for waste category z, tons or yd3
WCFi, y = Waste category factor for waste category i and hotel area fraction y
(from Table 2-17 through Table 2-20)
IPX, y = Input parameter value for structure type x and hotel area fraction y
(from Table 2-16)
PMF = Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-21)
As discussed above, there are four independent input parameters for hotels, one
parameter for each hotel area fraction. At least one of the four parameters is required to generate
waste estimates for hotels.
Table 2-16. Input Parameters for Hotels
WMK Structure Type
Hotel Arcii Fraction
Hotel Arcii Fraction Input Parameter
Hotel
Standard guest rooms
Suite guest rooms
Conference rooms
Restaurant(s)
Number of standard guest rooms
Number of suite guest rooms
Square feet of conference rooms
Number of restaurant seats
2.4.3 Waste Category Factors
Based on the data and methodology presented above, Table 2-17 through Table 2-20
present the factors used by the WME to generate order of magnitude estimates of the quantity of
non-structural items and materials from a non-luxury hotel. A description of the items that are
included in each waste category is presented in Section 2.4.5, below.
The tool also allows the user to make two adjustments to the estimates. First, the user can
account for the additional weight and volume added by packaging materials. Also, the user can
account for the additional items and materials in luxury hotels. These adjustments are further
described below.
Table 2-17. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Weight of Items for
Non-Luxury Hotels
Waste Category
WCF
(tons/standard
guest room)
WCF
(tons/suite
guest room)
WCF
(tons/ft2 of
meeting rooms)
WCF
(tons/restaurant
seat)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
2.05[a]
1.77[a]
0.00785[a]
0.0944[a]
Drywall
1.43
1.09
0.00519
0.0570
Ceiling Tiles
0.00667
0.00933
0.000231
0.00541
Carpet
0.113
0.185
0.000532
0.00709
Marble and Ceramic Tiles
0.103
0.105
0.000538
0.00740
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-17. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Weight of Items for
Non-Luxury Hotels
Waste Category
WCF
(tons/standard
guest room)
WCF
(tons/suite
guest room)
WCF
(tons/ft2 of
meeting rooms)
WCF
(tons/restaurant
seat)
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.397
0.381
0.00136
0.0175
Electronic Equipment
0.185[b]
0.441[b]
0.00129[b]
0.0259[b]
Industrial Electronic Equipment
0.0269
0.0374
0.000605
0.0187
Other Electronic Equipment
0.158
0.403
0.000687
0.00726
Furniture
0.714
0.779
0.00230
0.0345
Paper
0.0343
0.0372
0.000835
0.0134
Food
0.00398
0.0108
0.000683
0.017
Linens
0.0531
0.0613
0.0000512
0.00159
Dishware
0.003
0.0195
0.000207
0.00542
Other Items and Equipment
0.00903
0.0218
0.000165
0.00937
Personal Effects
0.0234
0.0234
0
0
TOTAL
3.07[c]
3.17[c]
0.0134[c]
0.202[c]
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste category estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Marble and Ceramic Tiles, and Other
Non-Structural Building Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Industrial Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
[c]	The Total estimated waste quantity is calculated by adding the individual estimates for Total Non-Structural
Building Materials, Electronic Equipment, and the individual waste quantity estimates for the Furniture, Paper,
Food, Linens, Dishware, Other Items and Equipment, and Personal Effects waste categories.
Table 2-18. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Volume of Items for
Non-Luxury Hotels
W aste Category
WCF
(yd3/standard
guest room)
WCF
(yd3/suite guest
room)
WCF
(yd3/ft2 of
meeting rooms)
WCF
(yd3/restaurant
seat)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
9.64[a]
10.4[a]
0.0488[a]
0.534[a]
Drywall
4.12
3.16
0.0150
0.165
Ceiling Tiles
0.0711
0.0993
0.00246
0.0576
Carpet
0.994
1.63
0.00467
0.0622
Marble and Ceramic Tiles
0.226
0.194
0.00171
0.0235
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
4.23
5.28
0.0250
0.225
Electronic Equipment
1.53[b]
4.61[b]
0.015 l[b]
0.215[b]
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-18. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the Volume of Items for
Non-Luxury Hotels
Waste Category
WCF
(yd3/standard
guest room)
WCF
(yd3/suite guest
room)
WCF
(yd3/ft2 of
meeting rooms)
WCF
(yd3/restaurant
seat)
Industrial Electronic Equipment
0.375
0.462
0.00515
0.160
Other Electronic Equipment
1.16
4.15
0.00997
0.0557
Furniture
10.7
13.8
0.0383
0.906
Paper
0.131
0.120
0.00311
0.0500
Food
0.0246
0.0665
0.00422
0.107
Linens
0.226
0.316
0.000200
0.00586
Dishware
0.0148
0.165
0.00139
0.0359
Other Items and Equipment
0.0610
0.174
0.00113
0.0173
Personal Effects
0.141
0.141
0
0
TOTAL
22.5^
29.7[c]
0.112[c]
1.87[c]
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste category estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Marble and Ceramic Tiles, and Other
Non-Structural Building Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Industrial Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
[c]	The Total estimated waste quantity is calculated by adding the individual estimates for Total Non-Structural
Building Materials, Electronic Equipment, and the individual waste quantity estimates for the Furniture, Paper,
Food, Linens, Dishware, Other Items and Equipment, and Personal Effects waste categories.
2.4.3.1 Luxury Hotels
In luxury hotels, marble may cover the floor and walls of all bathrooms and cover large
spaces in the lobby. Additionally, extensive molding and decor is typically present in lavish
hotels. If the user wants to account for additional items and materials in luxury hotels, marble is
assumed to be used in all bathrooms and in large spaces in the lobby, and additional decor is
included. If the user does not want to account for additional items and materials in luxury hotels,
linoleum or ceramic tiles are assumed to be used in all bathrooms and in large spaces in the
lobby instead of marble. Additional decor is also not included. Accounting for additional items
and materials in luxury hotels increases the weight and volume of items in the Marble and
Ceramic Tiles, Other Building Materials, and Furniture waste categories. For these categories,
the factors presented in Table 2-19 and Table 2-20 are used to generate waste estimates instead
of the values presented in Table 2-17 and Table 2-18.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-19. Alternative WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the
Weight of Items for Luxury Hotels

WCF
w cf
w cf
w cf

(tons/standard
(tons/suite
(tons/ft3 of
(tons/restaurant
Waste Category
guest room)
guest room)
meeting rooms)
seat)
Marble and Ceramic Tiles
0.365
0.370
0.00206
0.0189
Other Non-Structural
0.401
0.489
0.00176
0.0228
Building Materials
Furniture
0.786
0.857
0.00253
0.0379
Table 2-20. Alternative WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Estimating the
Volume of Items for Luxury Hotels
Waste Category
WCF
(yd3/standard
guest room)
WCF
(yd3/suite guest
room)
WCF
(yd3/ft2 of
meeting rooms)
WCF
(yd3/restaurant
seat)
Marble and Ceramic Tiles
0.534
0.527
0.0029
0.0363
Other Non-Structural
Building Materials
4.44
5.55
0.0257
0.237
Furniture
11.3
14.5
0.0402
0.951
2.4.3.2 Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If items are packaged prior to shipment, the packing material will increase the volume
and weight. If the user chooses to account for this increase in volume and weight, the volume of
the estimate for each waste category will increase by 10% and the weight of the each estimate
will increase by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packing material may vary
based on the type and shape of the item, the type of packing material used, and the packing
requirements for the various contaminants.
Table 2-21. Packaging Materials Factors for Hotels
Waste Category Estimate Based On...
PMF
Weight
0.05
Volume
0.10
2.4.4 Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of waste materials
requiring disposal from a hotel:
• Items and materials located outside the hotel (e.g., outdoor pools, tennis courts, and
picnic areas) are not included in the estimate.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from decontamination fluid
is not accounted for.
•	Drywall and ceiling tiles will not be neatly stacked when packaged for shipment. The
base volume of drywall and ceiling tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied
by a factor of 1.3 to determine the total volume including void space.
•	Since some buildings may be constructed without using drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet,
and marble and ceramic tiles, or because these materials may not be removed during
the decontamination process, estimates for these materials are broken out separately
within the building materials category.
•	Estimates are based on hotels with 90% walls covered with drywall, 5% to 15% of
ceilings covered with ceiling tiles, and carpet in all guest rooms, guest hallways,
meeting rooms, dining rooms, and offices.
•	All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
•	The amount of paper is based on inventories of toilet paper, tissues, etc. and the
assumption that all filing cabinets, bookshelves, etc. are 50% full of paper and office
supplies.
2.4.5 Category Descriptions
Details and assumptions for each waste category for which estimates are generated are
described in Table 2-22 below.
Table 2-22. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hotels
Waste Category
Description
Total Non-
Structural
Building Materials
This category includes the estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and marble
and ceramic tiles as well as restroom equipment (e.g., toilets, sinks, stall dividers),
doors, blinds and window coverings, other floor coverings (e.g., linoleum), and
ventilation systems. Ventilation systems estimates include only duct work and
vents. Air handlers and other mechanical ventilation equipment are not included.
Sprinkler systems, piping, and frames supporting the drywall are assumed to remain
in place and also are not included in this estimate. Since some buildings may be
constructed without using drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and marble and ceramic
tiles, and because these materials, even if present, may not be removed during the
decontamination process, estimates for these materials are broken out separately
within the building materials category.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-22. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hotels
Waste Category
Description
Drywall
This estimate includes drywall on walls and ceilings. Frames supporting the drywall
are not included in this estimate. This estimate is based on hotels where 90% of the
interior walls are covered with drywall (only some back utility room walls were not
covered with drywall). During the site visits to develop these factors, larger hotels
with conference facilities tended to have drywall ceiling in most rooms; however, in
newer extended-stay type hotels with all suite guest rooms, ceilings were exposed
concrete ceilings. Therefore, estimates for standard rooms include drywall on
ceilings and estimates for suite rooms do not. Because drywall will not be neatly
stacked when removed from a building, the base volume of drywall (i.e., length x
width x height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume
including void spaces.
Ceiling Tiles
This estimate includes ceiling tiles and frames. Hotels visited had between 5 and
15% of their ceilings covered with ceiling tiles (mostly back offices and work
space). Because tiles will not be neatly stacked when removed from a building, the
base volume of tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to
arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Carpet
This estimate includes only carpet on floors. Carpet padding is not included because
padding was not found at the hotels visited. Carpet was found in all guest rooms,
guest hallways, meeting rooms, dining rooms, and offices. Bathrooms, lobbies, and
most back areas other than offices were not carpeted. Carpet was assumed to be
rolled and dry.
Marble and
Ceramic Tiles
In lavish hotels, marble may cover the floor and walls of all bathrooms and cover
large spaces in the lobby. If the lavish hotel box is checked, this estimate includes
the marble in all of these locations. If the lavish hotel box is not checked, it assumes
that all of these floors and walls are covered with ceramic tiles.
Other Non-
Structural
Building Materials
This estimate includes all building material not included in other building material
subcategories (Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Marble and Ceramic Tiles). The
building materials in this estimate include restroom equipment, doors, blinds and
window coverings, other floor coverings, duct work, and vents.
Electronic
Equipment
Included in this category is the estimate for industrial electronic equipment, as well
as all computers, televisions, electronic janitorial equipment (i.e., vacuum cleaners,
floor cleaners, etc.), cooking equipment in guest rooms, and lights and light fixtures.
Two potential types of waste materials that were not included are wiring and
mechanical ventilation and climate control equipment (e.g., air handlers, boilers).
Industrial
Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all kitchen electronic equipment (e.g., industrial ovens,
freezers), water heaters, laundry equipment, circuit breaker boxes, and telephone
routing boxes.
Other Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all items listed above in the Electronics Equipment category
with the exception of industrial electronic equipment.
Furniture
This estimate includes all furniture, divider panels, and pictures. Cabinetry and
counter tops are also included. The volume for each item was determined by
multiplying the overall dimensions. All items are assumed to still be fully
assembled. Only minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs
are folded).
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Table 2-22. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Hotels
Waste Category
Description
Paper
This estimate is based on the assumption that all filing cabinets, bookshelves, etc.,
are 50% full of paper and office supplies. Phone books, toilet paper, and other paper
products are also included in this estimate.
Food
This estimate is based on detailed inventories of all standard food kept on hand. If a
large conference is in session, significant quantities of additional food may also
require disposal.
Linens
This estimate includes all towels, sheets, pillow cases, blankets, table cloths, and
linen napkins. The estimate is based on standard hotel practices (i.e., for each bed,
one dirty sheet is on a bed, one clean sheet is ready to be put on the bed, one sheet is
being cleaned, and one sheet is in transit or extra).
Dishware
This estimate includes all glasses, plates, silverware, cookware, pitchers, etc. The
estimate is based on detailed inventories of purchased equipment.
Other Items and
Equipment
This estimate includes all other materials found at the hotel, including toiletries,
cleaning supplies, maintenance supplies (e.g., cans of paint, rock salt, tools), and
plants.
Personal Effects
This estimate includes luggage and personal items that will be in the hotel. The
estimate assumes one large suitcase and one backpack/briefcase per guest room and
85% occupancy.
2.4.6 Data Analysis and Quality
Because site visits were conducted at only two hotels, it is impossible to perform a
statistical analysis of the data. However, based on the extensive information provided by
Marriott International, ERG believes that estimates made based on these factors are appropriate
for the order of magnitude estimations required for the WME. Because of the standard designs
used for most new and non-conference hotels, data collected for the extended-stay type hotel
should be very similar to other hotels in this category. If future refinements to the tool are
performed, ERG recommends additional site visits to large conference center hotels because of
the potential considerable variability in hotels of this type.
2.5 Movie Theaters
This section discusses the data sources, methodology, and assumptions used to generate
the waste category factors and the waste item factors for movie theaters, including a description
of each waste category and a brief analysis of the data quality. This information was originally
presented in a memorandum dated April 6, 2006.27
27 Memorandum from Aaron Osborne (ERG) to Susan Thorneloe and Paul Lemieux (EPA), Summary of
Methodology and Data Collection for the Theater WME (WME) and Default Structure Inventories, April 6,
2006.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.5.1	Data Sources
The factors for movie theaters were generated based on site visits to three movie theaters
and weights and dimensions of items obtained from Christie's Digital Systems (projection
equipment manufacturer) and various other vendor catalogs.
2.5.1.1	Site Visits
Regal Cinemas allowed ERG to visit the following three movie theaters:
•	Ten-screen theater with 2,009 theater seats located within a suburban strip mall;
•	Fourteen-screen theater with 2,788 theater seats located within a downtown mall; and
•	Twenty-screen theater with 3,678 theater seats located in its own separate building.
At each site visited, an inventory was conducted of all furniture, projection equipment,
concession equipment, fixtures, and other items. Only one set of similar items or rooms was
inventoried. For example, identical sets of projection and sound equipment were used for each
screen. The inventoried set was multiplied by the number of screens to calculate the total for the
structure. Inventories were recorded on the appropriate checklists. The quantity of duct work,
ventilation systems, drywall, and other building materials was estimated by reviewing the floor
plans of the structure.
The facilities did not keep detailed inventories of the items in the movie theater.
However, some limited inventories (e.g., amount of food kept in stock) were obtained and used.
2.5.1.2	Item Weights and Dimensions
To estimate the total weight and volume of items and materials at a structure, the weight
and volume of each item must be known. Weights and dimensions for many items at a movie
theater were already included in the waste item database located within the I-WASTE DST.
Additional movie theater projection equipment items were added to the database based on
weights and dimensions from Christie's Digital Systems (www.christiedigital.com. last accessed
December 21, 2015). Christie's manufactured the majority of the projection equipment used at
the movie theaters visited. Weights and dimensions for many movie theater concession items
were found through the Ace Mart Supply Company (www, acemart. com, last accessed December
21, 2015), a common vendor.
2.5.2	Methodology
The methodology used to develop estimates for movie theaters is similar to the
methodology used for schools and offices. For these facilities, the tool accounts for variations
between facilities by using multiple sub-structure types (i.e., elementary, middle, and high
schools) and generates estimates based on each input parameter (i.e., number of seats, number of
screens). While two parameters may be entered for these facilities, waste category estimates are
made independently for each parameter. Because the factors for movie theaters were generated
based on multiplex movie theaters, the applicability of these factors to estimates to other types of
theaters (e.g., performing arts) is uncertain.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Because of the standard designs and proportions of most movie theaters currently being
operated, it was not necessary to allow the users to "build" their own movie theater by entering
the multiple independent input parameters (i.e., number of screens, concession booths). This
approach is necessary only for facilities that may have extensive differences between facilities of
similar size.
Instead, the WME can generate order of magnitude estimates of the quantity of items and
materials from movie theaters based on the total number of seats in every auditorium or on the
total number of screens. Estimates based on the total structure square footage were also
investigated. Estimates based on square footage were found to be more accurate for many of the
waste categories (additional discussion presented in Section 2.5.6); however, most
establishments did not know this parameter off-hand and did not know how to find the value.
Corporate staff also had difficulty determining the square footage of the establishment.
Additionally, there were questions on how to calculate the total square footage. For example, the
square footage found on the structure's lease was based on the square footage of the main floor
and did not include the square footage of the upper floor with the projection room and many
offices. While ERG could roughly estimate the square footage based on the floor plans of the
facilities, because the parameter would not likely be readily available as an input value, it was
not used in the WME.
2.5.2.1	Individual Movie Theater Inventories
ERG used the data sources previously described to create inventories for each movie
theater visited. These inventories were based primarily on the data collected during the site visit.
ERG notes that the movie theater inventories were much less complex than the inventories for
schools and hotels (i.e., hotel inventories included items in guest rooms, conference rooms,
lobbies, offices, swimming pools, exercise rooms, storage rooms, etc., whereas movie theaters
consist primarily of auditoriums, lobby/concession areas, projection rooms, and a few offices).
Smaller items were placed in "boxes" based on the approximate weight of each item (e.g.,
calculators, security cameras, extension cords, etc., were placed in "boxes of electronics"). These
master inventories for each structure were used to create the factors for the default structure
inventories and for the WME.
2.5.2.2	Default Structure Inventories
To create the parameters used to generate default structure inventories, each item on the
master inventories was divided by the appropriate parameter to generate the waste item factors
for each movie theater (e.g., movie theater #1 had 10 film projectors and 2,009 seats, which
equals 0.005 film projectors per seat). The waste item factors from each movie theater were
averaged to create the factors used in the WME.
To minimize the number of items and resulting complexity, items of similar materials,
weights, and dimensions were combined. For example, a desktop fax machine is very similar in
dimensions and material content to a desktop printer. Additionally, while a structure may have
five-foot, six-foot, and eight-foot folding tables, the default structure inventories contain only six
foot folding tables. In all cases, the user can add or remove items to further refine and tailor the
inventory to the user's specific needs.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
To generate default structure inventories, the tool multiplies each waste item factor by the
preferred input parameter (see Section 2.5.6 for additional discussion on preferred input
parameter). While the user may enter both number of seats and number of screens, the default
structure inventories are made based only on the preferred input parameter.
2.5.2.3 Waste Category Estimates
Similar items in the inventories were grouped into the waste categories, described in
greater detail in Section 2.5.5. A weight and volume were assigned to each item in the waste
category based on information in the waste item database. The total weight and volume for the
category were calculated by summing the individual weights and volumes of all items in the
category. The total weight and volume of each category were divided by the parameter
appropriate for each movie theater (e.g., movie theater #1 had 2,009 seats) to generate the waste
category factors for each movie theater. The factors from each of the three theaters were
averaged to create the factors used in the WME.
To generate waste estimates for movie theaters, the tool multiplies the respective waste
category factor (listed in Table 2-23) by each input parameter value. While the user may enter
both number of seats and number of screens, waste estimates are made independently for each
parameter. While waste estimates may be generated based on the number of seats and/or the
number of screens, each waste material category may have a stronger correlation to one factor
over the other. If both the number of screens and the number of seats are entered into the WME,
a preferential estimate is chosen when generating estimates.
Estimates are generated according to the following equation:
Ewc-i = (WCFi,z)(IPxz)(l + PMF)	(Eq. 2-3)
where:
Ewc-i = Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or yd3
WCFi,z = Waste category factor for waste category i and input parameter z;
tons/seat, tons/screen, yd3/seat, or yd3/seat (from Table 2-23)
IPx,z = Input parameter value for structure type x and input parameter z, seats
or screens
PMF = Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-24).
Because a movie theater's square footage is more closely dependent on the number of
seats than the number of screens, the Total Non-Structural Building Materials waste categories
(e.g., Carpet, Ceiling Tiles, Drywall) have a stronger correlation to the number of seats than the
number of screens (movie theaters visited had approximately 20-24 ft2/seat). Similarly, the major
component of the Furniture category is the movie theater seats; therefore, the Furniture category
also has a stronger correlation to the number of seats.
However, a set amount of equipment is required for each screen mostly independent of
the auditorium's size. Therefore, the Theater Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic
Equipment categories have a stronger correlation to the number of screens. Based on the sites
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
visited, the other categories (Concession Electronic Equipment, Food, and Other Theater Items)
had a slightly stronger but not significant correlation to the number of seats over the number of
screens mainly because each movie theater has a certain set of equipment and rooms regardless
of the size of the theater. For example, the concession area of the largest movie theater visited
was only slightly larger than the concession area for the smallest movie theater visited, because
the same pieces of equipment (e.g., popcorn machine, soda fountains, and cash registers) are
required. Additionally, the quantity of food in the movie theaters visited was more dependent on
the date of the last delivery than on the theater's size. For the purposes of estimates in the tool
where only one value can be used, if both number of seats and number of screens are entered, all
estimates are based on the number of seats, except for the estimate for Theater Electronic
Equipment.
2.5.3 Waste Category Factors
Based on the data and methodology presented above, Table 2-23 presents the factors used
by the WME to generate order of magnitude estimates of the quantity of waste that may require
disposal from a movie theater. A description of the items that are included in each waste
category is presented in Section 2.5.5. The tool also allows the user to account for the additional
weight and volume added by packaging materials, which is further described below.
Table 2-23. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Movie Theaters
Waste Category
WMF
(tons/seat)
WMF
(yd3/seat)
WMF
(tons/screen)
WMF
(ydVscreen)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.0684[a]
0.658[a]
13.3[a]
128[a]
Carpet
0.00316
0.0277
0.615
5.39
Ceiling Tiles
0.00907
0.0966
1.77
18.8
Drywall
0.0343
0.0991
6.69
19.3
Curtains and Acoustical Material
0.0106
0.352
2.07
68.4
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.00421
0.0716
0.822
14.0
Electronic Equipment
[b]
[b]
[b]
[b]
Theater Electronic Equipment
0.00988
0.0871
1.920
16.9
Concession Electronic Equipment
0.00114
0.0123
0.221
2.39
Other Electronic Equipment
0.00151
0.00728
0.295
1.42
Furniture
0.0179
0.719
3.478
1402
Food
0.00147
0.00674
0.286
1.31
Other Theater Items
0.0118
0.113
2.305
22.0
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste category estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Curtains and Acoustical Material,
and Other Non-Structural Building Materials waste categories. The Other Non-Structural Building Material waste
category includes floor tiles.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Theater Electronic Equipment, Concession Electronic Equipment, and Other
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Electronic Equipment waste categories. If both the number of seats and the number of screens is entered by a user,
then the total quantity of Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the estimates generated for Theater
Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic Equipment (based on number of screens) and the estimate for
Concession Electronic Equipment (based on the number of seats).
2.5.3.1 Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If items are packaged prior to shipment, the packing material will increase the volume
and weight. If the user chooses to account for this increase in volume and weight, the volume of
the estimate for each waste category will increase by 10% and the weight of the each estimate
will increase by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packaging material may vary
based on the type and shape of the item, the type of packaging material used, and the packaging
requirements for the various contaminants. Note that packaging material is not accounted for in
the default structure inventories.
Table 2-24. Packaging Materials Factors for Movie Theaters
Waste Category Kstimate Based On...
VMV
Weight
0.05
Volume
0.10
2.5.4 Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of waste materials
requiring disposal from a movie theater:
•	Estimates only include items and materials from the movie theater and do not include
items and materials from an attached mall or shopping center.
•	Estimates are based on the entire building, not just one room. Estimates include items
and materials found in the auditoriums, hallways, lobby, concessions area, projection
room, arcade, administrative offices, employee break rooms, storage rooms, and
restrooms.
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from any decontamination
fluid is not accounted for.
•	Drywall and ceiling tiles will not be neatly stacked when packaged for shipment. The
base volume of drywall and ceiling tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied
by a factor of 1.3 to determine the total volume including void space.
•	Since some buildings may be constructed without one or more of the listed building
materials (i.e., drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, floor tiles, and curtains and acoustical
material), or because these materials may not be removed during the decontamination
process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, floor tiles, and curtains and
acoustical material are broken out separately within the building materials category.
Additionally, users can exclude these categories when generating a default structure
inventory.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
• All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
2.5.5 Category Descriptions
Details and assumptions for each waste category for which estimates are generated are
described in Table 2-25 below.
Table 2-25. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Movie
Theaters
Waste Category
Description
Total Non-
Structural Building
Materials
This estimate includes the estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, floor tiles,
and curtains and acoustical material as well as restroom equipment (i.e., toilets,
sinks, stall dividers, etc.), doors, ventilation systems. Note that ventilation systems
estimates include only duct work and vents. Air handlers and other mechanical
ventilation equipment are not included. Sprinkler systems, piping, and frames
supporting the drywall are assumed to remain in place and are also not included in
this estimate. Since some buildings may be constructed without one or more of the
listed building materials (i.e., drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, floor tiles, and curtains
and acoustical material), or because these materials may not be removed during
the decontamination process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, floor tiles,
and curtains and acoustical material are broken out separately within the building
materials category.
Drywall
This estimate includes drywall on walls. Frames supporting the drywall are not
included in this estimate. This estimate is based on movie theaters with 95% of
interior walls covered with drywall (only some back utility room walls were not
covered with drywall). The use of drywall for ceilings was not observed in the site
visits. Because drywall will not be neatly stacked when removed from a building,
the base volume of drywall (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a factor
of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Ceiling Tiles
This estimate includes ceiling tiles and frames. Movie theaters visited had between
90 and 95% of their ceilings covered with ceiling tiles, with the exception of some
lobby areas. Because tiles will not be neatly stacked when removed from a
building, the base volume of tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a
factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Carpet
This estimate includes carpet on floors and walls. Carpet padding is not included
because padding was not found at the movie theaters visited. Carpet was found in
all offices, hallways, lobby/concession areas, and in the auditorium walkways. In
the auditoriums, carpet was also found on the lower three feet of the auditorium
walls, for acoustical purposes. Bathrooms, kitchens, storage rooms, projection
rooms, lobbies, floor underneath the auditorium seats, and most back areas other
than offices were not carpeted. Approximately 30-35% of the total square footage
of the facilities was carpeted. Carpet was assumed to be rolled and dry.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-25. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Movie
Theaters
Waste Category
Description
Curtains and
Acoustical
Materials
This estimate includes acoustic tiles, acoustical wall padding, and curtains.
Because of the acoustical requirements of the auditoriums, all auditorium walls
were covered with acoustical materials. Typically, the lowest three feet of the
walls around the auditoriums were covered with carpet (accounted for in the
Carpet category). Acoustical padding covered by a fixed curtain covered the
remaining height of the side walls. Acoustical tiles were used on the rear walls. A
retractable curtain covered the front wall.
Other Non-
Structural Building
Materials
This estimate includes all building material not included in other building material
subcategories (Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Curtains and Acoustical
Materials). Building materials in this estimate include restroom equipment, doors,
duct work, and vents and floor tiles. Floor tiles include floor tiles and other floor
coverings (e.g., linoleum) from bathrooms, kitchens, storage rooms, projection
rooms, lobbies, floor underneath the auditorium seats, and most back areas other
than offices were covered with floor tiles and other types of floor coverings.
Electronic
Equipment
Included in this category are the estimates for Theater Electronic Equipment and
Concession Electronic Equipment, as well as all computers, televisions, electronic
janitorial equipment (i.e., vacuum cleaners, floor cleaners, etc.), and lights and
light fixtures. Two potential types of waste materials that were not included are
wiring and mechanical ventilation and climate control equipment (i.e., air
handlers, boilers, etc.).
Theater Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all electronic equipment used to play movies in the theaters.
Equipment includes film and digital projectors, winding machines, sound units,
speakers, and electrical panels.
Concession
Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all electronic equipment used for concessions and food
preparation purposes. Equipment includes popcorn poppers, food warmers, soda
fountains, microwaves, and freezers.
Other Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all items listed above in the Electronics Equipment
category with the exception of items included in the Theater and Concession
Electronic Equipment categories.
Furniture
This estimate includes all seating, cabinets, desks, chairs, tables, trash cans, and
other furniture items. The volume for each item was determined by multiplying
the overall dimensions. All items are assumed to still be fully assembled. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
Food
This estimate includes all chips, popcorn, soda, ice cream, and other food served at
a movie theater. This estimate does not include items associated with food
preparation (e.g., popcorn popper) or food serving (e.g., paper cup). The estimate
is based on food in stock at the time of the site visits and may vary significantly
based on delivery schedules.
Other Theater
Supplies
This estimate includes all other materials found at a movie theater, including
movie screens, cleaning supplies, maintenance supplies, paper cups and plates, and
movie posters and other movie advertisements.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.5.6 Data Analysis and Quality
The following input parameters for movie theaters (i.e., the parameters the user would
enter into the tool to generate the estimates) were investigated:
•	Total number of seats in all auditoriums;
•	Number of screens; and,
•	Total structure square footage.
The methodology previously described was used to generate estimates for each waste
category for each of the three movie theaters visited. The average of the three movie theaters for
each waste category was calculated. For each category, the greatest difference between an
individual movie theater estimate and the average of all three theaters was used to estimate the
percent error, presented in Table 2-13. Additionally, the preferred input parameter (i.e., if both
number of seats and number of screens are entered, the preferred input parameter is used when
generating a default structure inventory) for each category is also included in Table 2-13.
ERG notes that these data are based on only three facilities. Based on discussions with
Regal Cinemas and the National Association of Theater Owners, these movie theaters should be
representative of the industry. Based on the data shown in Table 2-26, ERG believes that
estimates made based on these factors are appropriate for the order of magnitude estimations
required for the WME and the default structure inventories. The data collected and presented in
Table 2-26 are appropriate for determining which factor has the better correlation to each waste
category; however, additional data would be required to perform a complete statistical analysis.
Table 2-26. Movie Theater WME Input Parameter Error Analysis Results
Waste Category
Percent lOrror
Based on Per
Seat
Estimations
Percent Error
Based on Per
Screen
Kstim ations
Percent Krror
Based on Per
Square Foot
Kstim ations
Preferred
Input
Parameter
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
NA
NA
NA
NA
Carpet
6.54%
9.83%
4.81%
Seats
Ceiling Tiles
8.07%
12.58%
2.06%
Seats
Drywall
10.86%
16.05%
2.62%
Seats
Floor Tiles
12.36%
17.48%
5.22%
Seats
Curtains and Acoustical Material
2.17%
3.41%
10.93%
Seats
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
19.59%
22.98%
12.06%
Seats
Electronic Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
Theater Electronic Equipment
6.49%
0.79%
15.39%
Screens
Concession Electronic Equipment
22.94%
26.71%
20.97%
Seats
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-26. Movie Theater WME Input Parameter Error Analysis Results
Waste Category
Percent lOrror
Based on Per
Seat
Kstimations
Percent lOrror
Based on Per
Screen
Kslim ations
Percent lOrror
Based on Per
Square Foot
Kstim ations
Preferred
Input
Parameter
Other Electronic Equipment
33.37%
37.03%
25.35%
Seats
Furniture
2.03%
6.93%
7.18%
Seats
Food
34.39%
35.31%
35.19%
Seats
Other Theater Items
5.85%
9.69%
4.27%
Seats
NA - Not Applicable. Value is calculated by summing sub-categories as described in Table 2-7. Percent error is not
estimated for these values.
Item estimates may be generated in the tool based on the number of seats and/or the
number of screens. However, Table 2-26 shows that each waste category may have a stronger
correlation to one of the two input parameters.
For the Total Non-Structural Building Materials category and subcategories (i.e., Carpet,
Ceiling Tiles, Drywall), Table 2-26 shows that these categories had the strongest correlation to
the square footage of the facilities (except for Curtains and Acoustical Materials). Curtains and
Acoustical Materials probably had the strongest correlation to the number of seats, because these
materials are found only in the auditoriums. Therefore, the size of the auditoriums (which
correlates well to the number of seats) is more important than the overall size of the movie
theater (i.e., structure square footage). However, as discussed in Section 2.5.2, because movie
theaters typically do not know their total square footage, and there is confusion on how to
estimate the structure's square footage, it was decided to not use square footage as an input
parameter. Because the movie theater's square footage more closely dependent on the number of
seats than the number of screens, the Building Materials categories (e.g., Carpet, Ceiling Tiles,
Drywall) have a stronger correlation to the number of seats than the number of screens (the
movie theaters visited had approximately 20-24 ft2/seat).
Table 2-26 also shows that the number of screens is the least accurate input parameter for
all waste categories except Theater Electronic Equipment. A set amount of equipment is required
for each screen mostly independent of the auditorium's size. Therefore, the Theater Electronic
Equipment category has a stronger correlation to the number of screens over the other input
parameters. Similarly, the major component of the Furniture category is the movie theater seats;
therefore, the Furniture category has the strongest correlation to the number of seats.
Concession Electronic Equipment, Other Electronic Equipment, and Food did not have a
strong correlation to any of the three input parameters, mainly because each movie theater has a
certain set of equipment and rooms regardless of the size of the theater. For example, the
concession area of the largest movie theater visited was only slightly larger than the concession
area for the smallest theater visited, because the same pieces of equipment (e.g., popcorn
machine, soda fountains, and cash registers) are required. Additionally, the quantity of Food in
the theaters visited was more dependent on the date of the last delivery than on the size of the
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
movie theater. Based on the movie theaters visited, these categories had a slightly stronger, but
not significant, correlation to the number of seats over the number of screens.
For the purposes of estimates in the tool where only one value can be used (e.g., when
creating default structure inventories), if both number of seats and number of screens are entered,
all estimates are based on the number of seats, except for the estimate for Theater Electronic
Equipment.
2.6 Offices
This section discusses the data sources, methodology, and assumptions used to generate
the waste category factors and the waste item factors for offices, including a description of each
waste category, and a brief analysis of the data quality. The waste category factors were revised
with the release of version 6.4 of I-WASTE. The data sources, methodology, and assumptions
used to generate the office waste category factors prior to version 6.4 were originally presented
in the document: Draft Documentation for Version 1 of the Building Decontamination Residue
(BDRJ Disposal Decision Support Tool dated September 30, 2004.28 The documentation for the
I-WASTE office factors revisions for version 6.4 were originally presented in the document:
Revised /-WASTE Waste Materials Estimator (WME) Waste Category Weight and Volume
Factors for Offices dated January 16, 2015.29
2.6.1 Data Sources
The estimates provided are divided into the several waste categories. Details on each
individual category, including what items are included in the estimate and the assumptions
related to the category are provided in Section 2.6.5. All estimates are based on factors
developed from a site visit conducted by EPA.
Several other factors may affect the amount of waste materials requiring disposal, as
described in Section 2.6.6. These factors will be considered in generating an estimate based on a
user's selections. Additional factors considered can include:
•	Additional weight and volume added by packaging materials; and
•	Removal of paper and office supplies from furniture prior to shipment and disposal.
Additional limitations of the estimates are presented in Section 2.6.7.
28	Draft Documentation for Version 1 of the Building Decontamination Residue (BDR) Disposal Decision Support
Tool, September 30, 2004.
29	Memorandum from Colin Hayes and Molly Rodgers, ERG, to Paul Lemieux and Susan Thorneloe, US EPA,
Subject: Revised I-WASTE Waste Materials Estimator (WME) Waste Category Weight and Volume Factors
for Offices, January 16, 2015.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.6.2 Methodology
The waste category factors used by the WME were generated based on an EPA survey
conducted in 2014 of the contents of the 290 Broadway building in New York City, NY, a thirty
(30)-story building that houses the EPA Region 2 offices on thirteen (13) of those floors.
EPA collected data on the number of rooms, room footprints (square feet per room, or
ft2/room), average material loading per room for each room type (pounds per room, or lb/room)
and by material type. From those data, EPA calculated total room areas (ft2) and total material
loading quantities for each room type and by material type (in pounds, or lbs). Part of the EPA
survey included determining the amount of paper that was found inside various items of office
furniture located in each of the room types surveyed. The total amount of paper located inside
furniture was included in EPA's estimate for the "average paper loading" per room by room
type, in lbs/room, and the total "average paper loading" for all rooms by room type, in lbs. Based
on those data, ERG calculated the average paper loading in furniture per room and the average
paper loading in furniture for all rooms of each room type based on the total number of rooms.
2.6.2.1	Distribution of Material Loadings to WME Input Categories
Since the WME estimates for offices are based on either the number or square footage of
cubicle offices or the number or square footage of individual-walled offices, the material
loadings and the "Average Paper in Furniture Loading (lb)" values for all room types other than
"cube" and "walled office" were distributed between "cube" and "walled office" based on the
relative number of occupants in each office type. Based on those results, the average fraction of
paper located inside furniture is 0.7571 and 0.7547 for cubicle offices and walled offices,
respectively. The individual survey category loadings were added together according to the
WME Waste Material Category to generate the WME Waste Category weights and volumes.
2.6.2.2	Waste Category Estimates
To generate Waste Materials Estimates for the quantity of materials requiring disposal,
the tool multiplies the respective waste category factor by the number of occupants or the total
square footage entered by the user. The WME allows users to input either the number of
occupants or the square footage for both individual walled office configurations and cubicle
office configurations since many office buildings are comprised of one or both of those
configurations. Additional factors affecting the quantity of material requiring disposal that may
be accounted for by the tool are presented in Section 2.6.4.
For all waste categories except for weight estimates for the "Furniture" waste category
and weight and volume estimates for the "Paper and Office Supplies" waste category, estimates
are generated according to the following equation:
Ewc-i = (WCFi,z)(IPx Z)(PMF)	(Eq. 2-4a)
where:
Ewc-i = Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or yd3
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
WCFj,2
IPx,Z
PMF
Waste category factor for waste category i and input parameter z;
tons/ft2, tons/occupant, yd3/ft2, or yd3/occupant (from Table 2-27 and
Table 2-28)
Input parameter value for structure type x and input parameter z, ft2 or
occupants
Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-30)
For the "Furniture" waste category, weight estimates are generated according to the
following equation:
where:
Ef
WCFf
WCFp
PLF
IPx,z
PMF
Ef = [WCFf + (WCFp)(PLF)](IPXz)(PMF)
(Eq. 2-4b)
Estimate of waste for the Furniture waste category, tons
Waste category factor for Furniture and input parameter z; tons/ft2 or
tons/occupant (from Table 2-27 and Table 2-28)
Waste category factor for Paper and Office Supplies and input
parameter z; tons/ft2 or tons/occupant (from Table 2-27 and Table
2-28)
Paper loading factor (from Table 2-31)
Input parameter value for structure type x and input parameter z, ft2 or
occupants
Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-30)
The volume of furniture will not change regardless of whether paper is inside the
furniture or complete removed, therefore, the volume estimates for the "Furniture" waste
category are generated according to Equation 2-4a.
For the "Paper and Office Supplies" waste category, weight and volume estimates are
generated according to the following equation:
where:
Ep
IPx,Z
PMF
WCFp
PLF
Ep = (IPX Z)(PMF)(WCFp)( 1 - PLF)
(Eq. 2-4c)
Estimate of waste for the Paper and Office Supplies waste category,
tons or yd3
Input parameter value for structure type x and input parameter z, ft2 or
occupants
Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-30)
Waste category factor for Paper and Office Supplies and input
parameter z; tons/ft2, tons/occupant, yd3/ft2, or yd3/occupant (from
Table 2-27 and Table 2-28)
Paper loading factor (from Table 2-31)
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.6.3 Waste Category Factors
Although office configurations and layouts may vary widely, two general configurations
are:
•	Individual walled offices; and
•	Cubicle offices.
Individual walled offices are generally those where most employees work in a room
shared by only one or two employees. Cubicle offices are generally those where most employees
work in rooms shared by three or more employees, where desks are separated by cubicle divider
panels. The major difference between the two office layouts is the square footage of office space
per employee. Based on EPA survey data, individual walled offices (including common areas
such as lobbies, hallways, restrooms) have approximately 628 square feet per employee; cubicle
configurations have approximately 525 square feet per employee.
Table 2-27 and Table 2-28 present the factors used by the WME to generate estimates.
Table 2-27. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Individual Walled Offices
Waste Category
WCF
(ton/ft2)
WCF
(ton/occupant)
WCF
(yd3/ft2)
WCF
(yd3/occupant)
Total Non-Structural
Building Materials
0.0023 9M
1.50[a]
0.0164 w
10.3[a]
Drywall
0.00115
0.721
0.00331
2.08
Ceiling Tiles
0.000386
0.242
0.00418
2.62
Carpet
0.000669
0.420
0.00584
3.67
Other Non-Structural
Building Material
0.000184
0.116
0.00306
1.92
Electronic Equipment
0.0000447
0.0281
0.00034
0.215
Furniture
0.0178
11.2
0.233
147
Paper and Office Supplies
0.0115
7.25
0.0355
22.3
[a] The Total Non-Structural Building Materials waste quantity is calculated by adding the individual estimates for
Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Other Non-Structural Building Materials.
Table 2-28. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Cubicle Offices
Waste ('tilegorv
WCF
(ton/ft2)
WCF
(ton/occupant)
WCF
(yd3/ft2)
WCF
(yd3/occupant)
Total Non-Structural
Building Materials
0.00181[a]
0.949 M
0.0140 w
7.37[a]
Drywall
0.000700
0.367
0.00202
1.06
Ceiling Tiles
0.000310
0.162
0.00329
1.73
Carpet
0.000480
0.252
0.00427
2.24
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Other Non-Structural
Building Material
0.000320
0.168
0.00445
2.34
Electronic Equipment
0.0000300
0.0161
0.000220
0.113
Furniture
0.0209
11.0
0.188
98.6
Paper and Office Supplies
0.0136
7.15
0.0412
21.6
[a] The Total Non-Structural Building Materials waste quantity is calculated by adding the individual estimates for
Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Other Non-Structural Building Materials.
2.6.3.1	Total Square Footage and Number of Employees
Total square footage includes the square footage from all areas, not just work areas,
including common areas. Common areas may include kitchens, restrooms, lobbies, hallways, and
storage areas. Common areas are accounted for in the waste estimates.
2.6.3.2	Estimations Based on Square Footage versus Estimations Based on Number of
Employees
While waste estimates may be generated based on the total square footage and/or the
number of employees, each Office waste category has a stronger correlation to one factor over
the other. Because the square footage per employee may vary widely between office buildings,
estimates are more accurate if both parameters are entered. There is a more accurate correlation
between the amount of building materials, including drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet, and the
total square footage than there is between the amount of building materials and the number of
employees. However, because employees generally each require a similar amount of electronic
equipment and furniture, there is a more accurate correlation between these values and the
number of employees than there is between these values and the total square footage. The
amount of paper varies with other factors not accounted for by this estimator (e.g., type/products
of the office, length of occupancy, number of archive rooms, etc.). However, in general, there is
a better correlation between the amount of paper and the total square footage because companies
tend to store more paper if they have more space.
If both the square footage and the number of occupants are entered into the WME, a
preferential parameter is chosen when generating estimates or creating default structure
inventories (see Section 2.2 for a discussion of Default Item Inventories). For example, there is a
better correlation between the amount of building materials and the total square footage than
there is between the amount of building materials and the number of occupants. Therefore, in
this example, the estimates for building materials are based on the WME results using the total
square footage if both parameters are entered. A summary of which factor is used for preferential
estimates is presented below.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-29. Preferred Input Parameters for Office Interior/Non-Structural Waste
Categories
Preferential Kstiniates Bused on
Total Square Footage
Preferential Kstiniates Based on
Number of Occupants
All Building Materials Categories
Electronic Equipment
Paper and Office Supplies'8'
Furniture
[a] Offices tend to have a better correlation between the square footage and the amount of paper than between the
number of employees and the amount of paper, because companies tend to store more files if they have additional
space.
2.6.4 Additional Factors Affecting the Quantity of Items
While several factors may affect the quantity of items requiring disposal, two additional
factors that may be accounted for by the tool are the additional weight and volume added by
packaging materials and the removal of paper and office supplies from furniture prior to
shipment and disposal.
2.6.4.1 Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If waste items are packaged prior to shipment, the packaging material will increase the
volume and weight. If you chose to account for this increase in volume and weight, the volume
of the estimate for each waste category will increase by 10% and the weight of the each estimate
will increase by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packaging material may vary
based on the type and shape of the item, the type of packaging material used, and the packaging
requirements for the various contaminants.
Table 2-30. Packaging Materials Factors (PMF) for Offices
Waste Category Kstimate Based On...
PMF
Weight
1.05
V olume
1.10
2.6.4.2 Removal of Paper and Office Supplies from Furniture Prior to Shipment and
Disposal
When furniture is packaged for shipment, the paper and office supplies in the furniture
piece (i.e., filing cabinets, desk drawers, etc.) may be removed and packaged separately or left in
the furniture piece. At the site surveyed, the following percentages of the total paper in a building
were found stored in drawers, cabinets, or other enclosed pieces of furniture:
•	75.4% for individual walled offices; and
•	75.7% for cubicle configurations.
If the "Remove paper and office supplies from the furniture " option is selected, the
estimates for the Paper and Office Supplies waste category will not include paper stored in
enclosed furniture. Paper stored in enclosed furniture will be included the Furniture waste
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
category estimate, but only for the additional weight (the volume of furniture will not change).
Selecting the "remove paper and office supplies from the furniture" option will increase the
volume and weight of the Paper and Office Supplies estimate. The weight (not the volume) of
furniture will also decrease corresponding to the increase in paper.
Table 2-31. Paper Loading Factors (PLF) for Offices
1 'ii|ht Kiiimud
IV< mi 1- iirnii iii'i-
r.l|HT \nl Klllliiud I'll nil I- II I'll 11II I'i- 1 \l |HT \nl lITio-m I-ii in i 1 ii n- i< ultirlr < HTiri-M
0
0.754
0.757
2.6.5	Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of waste materials
requiring disposal from an office:
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from decontamination fluid
is not accounted for.
•	Since some buildings may be constructed without using drywall, ceiling tiles, and
carpet, or because these materials may not be removed during the decontamination
process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet are broken out separately
within the building materials category.
•	All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
2.6.6	Category Descriptions
There are seven primary waste categories for offices. Each of these categories is
described in Table 2-32 below.
Table 2-32. Interior/Non-Structural WME Waste Categories and Descriptions for Offices
Waste Category
Description
Total Non-
Structural Building
Materials
The Building Materials category for offices includes the estimates for drywall,
ceiling tiles, and carpet, as well as restroom equipment (i.e., toilets, sinks, stall
dividers, etc.), doors, blinds and window coverings, other floor coverings (e.g.,
linoleum), and ventilation systems. Ventilation systems estimates include only
duct work and vents. Air handlers and other mechanical ventilation equipment are
not included. Sprinkler systems and frames supporting the drywall are also not
included in this estimate. Since some buildings may be constructed without using
drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet, or because these materials may not be removed
during the decontamination process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet
are broken out separately within the building materials category.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-32. Interior/Non-Structural WME Waste Categories and Descriptions for Offices
Waste Category
Description
Drywall
The Drywall category estimate for offices includes only drywall on walls. Drywall
covering ceilings and frames supporting the drywall are not included in this
estimate. This estimate is based on the assumption that all interior walls are
covered with drywall. If some walls in the building are made of other materials
such as cinder blocks an overestimate may occur.
Ceiling Tiles
The Ceiling Tile category estimate for offices includes ceiling tiles and frames. If
some ceilings are covered with other materials, an overestimate may occur.
Carpet
The Carpet category estimate for offices includes carpet only on floors. Carpet
padding is not included because padding was not found at the offices visited.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and some other common areas may not be carpeted. If floors
are covered with other materials, this may be an overestimate. Carpet was assumed
to be rolled and dry.
Other Non-
Structural Building
Materials
This estimate includes all building materials not included in other building
material subcategories. The building materials in this estimate may include
restroom equipment, doors, glass panes, blinds and window coverings, other floor
coverings, duct work, and vents.
Electronic
Equipment
The Electronic Equipment estimate for offices includes all computers, telephones,
servers and routers, office machine, lights and light fixtures, kitchen equipment,
etc. Two potential areas of waste materials excluded are wiring and mechanical
ventilation equipment (e.g., air handlers). Two other factors that may result in
additional electronic equipment are offices that do not dispose of outdated
computers and electronic equipment, and offices that are heavily based on
electronics (e.g., graphics design, hardware design, and publishing).
Furniture
The Furniture category estimate for offices includes all furniture, divider panels,
plants, and pictures. Cabinetry and counter tops are also included. The volume for
each item was determined by multiplying the overall dimensions. Folding table
and chairs are assumed to be folded, and all other items are assumed to still be
fully assembled.
Paper and Office
Supplies
The Paper and Office Supplies category estimates are highly dependent on the
type/product of office, the amount of archive storage, and the length of occupancy.
The amount of paper and office supplies may vary significantly between facilities
of similar size.
2.6.7 Data Analysis and Quality
The WME is designed to provide only an order of magnitude estimate for the amount of
waste that may be generated. Each structure is unique, and the amount of waste may vary
significantly between facilities of similar size. Several limitations of the tool include:
•	Currently, enough data points are not available to calculate the accuracy of the tool;
•	The age of the structure is not accounted for (e.g., older facilities tend to have more
paper stored and may be constructed differently);
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
•	The type of office/office product is not accounted for (e.g., software development
companies will have more electronics but less paper); and
•	Several other office configurations exist.
2.7 Schools
This section discusses the data sources, methodology, and assumptions used to generate
the waste category factors and the waste item factors for schools, including a description of each
waste category, and a brief analysis of the data quality. This information was originally presented
in the document: Draft Documentation for Version 1 of the Building Decontamination Residue
(BDRJ Disposal Decision Support Tool dated September 30, 2004.30
2.7.1	Data Sources
The estimates provided are divided into several waste categories based on the structure
type. Table 2-20 lists the waste categories for schools. Details on each individual category,
including what items are included in the estimate and the assumptions related to the category are
provided in Section 2.7.5. All estimates are based on factors developed from site visits conducted
by ERG.
Several other factors may affect the amount of residue requiring disposal, as described in
Section 2.7.6. These factors will be considered in generating an estimate based on a user's
selections. Additional factors considered can include:
•	Additional weight and volume added by packaging materials; and
•	Removal of paper and school supplies from furniture prior to shipment and disposal.
Additional limitations of the estimates are presented in Section 2.7.7.
2.7.2	Methodology
The waste category factors used by the WME were generated based on site visits
conducted by ERG. The factors are based on three schools (one elementary, one middle, and one
high school). The factors may be refined in future releases of the tool if additional information
becomes available.
At each site visited, a thorough inventory was conducted of all furniture, electronic
equipment, etc. The quantity of duct work, ventilation systems, drywall, and other building
materials was estimated by reviewing the structure's floor plans. Using the collected information,
the volume, and weight for each item was estimated. The items were grouped in several
categories, as described in Section 2.7.6. The total weight and volume for the category were
calculated by summing the individual volumes and weights of all items in the category. All items
are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for each item is determined
by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g.,
30 Draft Documentation for Version 1 of the Building Decontamination Residue (BDR) Disposal Decision Support
Tool, September 30, 2004.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
folding tables and chairs are folded). Note that all weights are dry weights. Additional weight of
water from decontamination fluid was not accounted for.
Structure floor plans were reviewed to estimate the square footage of the structure, and
factors for estimating the quantity of items and materials based on square footage were generated
by dividing the total volume and weight for the waste category by the total square footage. The
number of students attending the school was found in school records. Factors for estimating the
quantity of items and materials based on the number of students were generated by dividing the
total volume and weight for the category by the actual number of students.
2.7.2.1 Waste Category Estimates
To generate waste estimates for the quantity of items and materials requiring disposal, the
tool multiplies the respective waste category factor by the inputted number of students or the
total school square footage. Additional factors affecting the quantity of material requiring
disposal that may be accounted for by the tool are presented in Section 2.7.5.
Estimates are generated according to the following equation:
Ewc-i = (WCFi,z)(IPxz)(l + PMF)(PLF)	(Eq. 2-5)
where:
Ewc-I =
WCFU =
IPx,Z
PMF
PLF
2.7.3 Factors
Waste category factors have been generated for the following three types of schools:
•	Elementary schools;
•	Middle schools; and
•	High schools.
While the transition year between schools varies, elementary schools may be attended by
students grades K through 6; middle schools by grades 6 through 9; and high schools by grades 9
through 12. For secondary schools (i.e., combined middle and high schools), waste category
factors for high schools are expected to be generally applicable. While there are several
differences in the designs of the different school types, the principal difference in waste quantity
results from differences in the amount of space devoted to extracurricular activities (i.e.,
gymnasiums, auditoriums, music rooms, career centers, etc.).
Estimate of waste for waste category z, tons or yd3
Waste category factor for waste category i and input parameter z (tons/ft2,
tons/student, yd3/ft2, or yd3/student) (from Table 2-34 through Table 2-36)
Input parameter value for structure type x (elementary school, middle
school, or high school) and input parameter z (ft2 or number of students)
Packaging materials factor (from Table 2-37)
Paper/school supplies loading factor (from Table 2-38).
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Schools inherently contain a large number of special-purpose rooms (e.g., gymnasiums,
auditoriums, cafeterias, weight rooms). Due to the size of these rooms, residue estimates may not
be accurate for small schools (less than 200 students). Attendance at schools visited ranged from
450 to 1,600 students.
2.7.3.1	Total Square Footage and Number of Students
Estimates are based on the Total Square Footage of the building, including gymnasiums,
auditoriums, mechanical rooms, multi-purpose rooms, cafeterias, bathrooms, hallways, and
closets. Estimates are based on the entire school building being decontaminated, not just a wing,
or a few classrooms.
All estimation factors for the Number of Students are based on the actual attendance of
the school. Waste category factors were generated from elementary schools with approximately
150 square feet per student and from middle and high schools with approximately 200 square
feet per student. Applying these factors to under- or over-crowded schools may give less
accurate results.
2.7.3.2	Trailers and Other Buildings
Estimates do not include items and materials from trailers and other buildings (e.g., press
boxes, outdoor storage sheds) not attached to the main school building. The number of students
should be reduced if a significant number of classrooms are in trailers. Schools visited did not
have trailers or other classrooms not attached to the main school building.
2.7.3.3	Fstimations Based on Square Footage versus Estimations Based on Number of
Students
While waste estimates may be generated based on the total square footage and/or the
number of students, each School waste category may have a stronger correlation to one factor
over the other. Because the square footage per student may vary widely between schools,
estimates are more accurate if both parameters are entered. There is a better correlation between
the amount of building materials, including drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and wood flooring, and
the total square footage than there is between the amount of building materials and the number of
students.
If both the square footage and the number of students are entered into the WME, a
preferential estimate is chosen when generating estimates using default parameters or creating
default structure inventories. For example, there is a better correlation between the amount of
building materials and the total square footage than there is between the amount of building
materials and the number of students. Therefore, in this example, the weight and volume
estimates for building materials are based on the WME estimates using the total square footage if
both parameters are entered. A summary of which factor is used for preferential estimates is
presented below:
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-33. Preferred Input Parameters for School Interior/Non-Structural Waste
Categories
Prelcrcntiiil Kstiniiites Bused on
Total Square Footage
Prclcrcnliiil Kstiimites Biiscil on
Number of Students
All Building Materials Categories
All Electronic Equipment Categories
Furniture
Gym and Sports Equipment
Art and Music Equipment
Paper and School Supplies'3'
[a] For schools, there tends to be a better correlation between the number of students and the amount of paper,
because if one school has more space per student than another, it is generally for larger gyms, theaters, workshops,
etc.
Table 2-34 through Table 2-36 present the factors used by the WME to generate mass
and volume estimates for each waste category.
Table 2-34. WME Interior/non-Structural Factors for Elementary Schools
Waste Category
WCF
(ton/ft2)
WCF
(yd3/ft2)
WCF
(ton/student)
WCF
(ydVstudent)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.000885[a]
0.00999[a]
0.132[a]
1.49 w
Drywall
0.0000930
0.000269
0.0139
0.0402
Ceiling Tiles
0.000338
0.00361
0.0505
0.540
Carpet
0.000131
0.00115
0.0196
0.172
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.000324
0.00496
0.0485
0.742
Electronic Equipment
0.000358[b]
0.00313 M
0.0536[b]
0.469[b]
Industrial Electronic
Equipment
0.000112
0.000854
0.0168
0.128
Other Electronic Equipment
0.000246
0.00228
0.0368
0.341
Furniture
0.00143
0.0211
0.214
3.15
Paper and School Supplies
0.00158
0.0131
0.236
1.96
Gym and Sports Equipment
0.0000550
0.00103
0.00816
0.153
Art and Music Equipment
0.0000400
0.000516
0.00595
0.0772
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste quantity estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Other Non-Structural Building
Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Industrial Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-35. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Middle Schools
Waste Category
WCF
(ton/ft2)
WCF
(yd3/ft2)
WCF
(ton/student)
WCF
(yd3/student)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.000918[a]
0.00886 w
0.178[a]
1.72[a]
Drywall
0.0000470
0.000136
0.00916
0.0265
Ceiling Tiles
0.000319
0.00341
0.0618
0.661
Carpet
0.0000330
0.000291
0.00644
0.0565
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.000322
0.00466
0.0624
0.904
Wood Flooring
0.000197
0.000364
0.0382
0.0707
Electronic Equipment
0.000323[b]
0.00276[b]
0.0627 M
0.535[b]
Industrial Elec. Equip.
0.0000720
0.000529
0.0140
0.103
Other Elec. Equip.
0.000251
0.00223
0.0487
0.432
Furniture
0.00123
0.0189
0.238
3.66
Paper and School Supplies
0.00111
0.00966
0.215
1.87
Gym and Sports Equipment
0.000168
0.00221
0.0327
0.428
Art and Music Equipment
0.000132
0.00112
0.0258
0.217
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste quantity estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Wood Flooring, and Other Non-
Structural Building Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Industrial Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
Table 2-36. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for High Schools
Waste Category
WCF
(ton/ft2)
WCF
(yd3/ft2)
WCF
(ton/student)
WCF
(yd3/student)
Building Materials
0.000988[a]
0.00916 M
0.199[a]
1.84 M
Drywall
0.0000330
0.0000960
0.00669
0.0193
Ceiling Tiles
0.000300
0.00321
0.0603
0.646
Carpet
0.0000320
0.000279
0.00639
0.0561
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
0.000357
0.00509
0.0717
1.02
Wood Flooring
0.000266
0.000493
0.0535
0.0992
Electronic Equipment
0.000320[b]
0.00261 M
0.0645[b]
0.525 M
Industrial Electronic
Equipment
0.0000730
0.000457
0.0148
0.0920
Other Electronic Equipment
0.000247
0.00216
0.0497
0.433
Furniture
0.00132
0.0205
0.266
4.12
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-36. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for High Schools
Waste Category
WCF
(ton/ft2)
WCF
(yd3/ft2)
WCF
(ton/student)
WCF
(yd3/student)
Paper and School Supplies
0.00124
0.0110
0.249
2.21
Gym and Sports Equipment
0.000193
0.00241
0.0389
0.484
Art and Music Equipment
0.000179
0.00139
0.0359
0.280
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding
the individual waste quantity estimates for the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Wood Flooring, and Other Non-
Structural Building Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual
waste quantity estimates for the Industrial Electronic Equipment and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
2.7.4 Additional Factors Affecting the Waste Estimates
While several factors may affect the amount of waste requiring disposal, two additional
factors that may be accounted for by the tool are the additional weight and volume added by
packaging materials and the removal of paper and school supplies from furniture prior to
shipment and disposal.
2.7.4.1 Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If waste items are packaged prior to shipment, the packaging material will increase the
volume and weight. If you chose to account for this increase in volume and weight, the volume
of the estimate for each waste material category will increase by 10% and the weight of the each
estimate will increase by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packaging material
may vary based on the type and shape of the item, the type of packaging material used, and the
packing requirements for the various contaminants.
Table 2-37. Packaging Materials Factors (PMF) for Schools
Waste Category Estimate Based On...
PMF
Weight
0.05
V olume
0.10
2.7.4.2 Removal of Paper and School Supplies from Furniture Prior to Shipment and
Disposal
When furniture is packaged for shipment, the paper and school supplies in the furniture
piece (i.e., filing cabinets, desk drawers, etc.) may be removed and packaged separately or left in
the furniture piece. At the elementary, middle, and high schools visited, approximately 30% of
the total paper in the buildings was found stored in drawers, cabinets, or other enclosed pieces of
furniture.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
If the Remove paper and school supplies from the furniture option is selected, estimates
for the Paper and School Supplies waste material category will not include paper stored in
enclosed furniture. Paper stored in enclosed furniture is included the Furniture waste category
estimate. Selecting the remove paper and school supplies from furniture option will increase the
volume and weight of the paper and school supplies estimate. The weight (not the volume) of
furniture will also decrease corresponding to the increase in paper.
Table 2-38. Paper Loading Factors (PLF) for Schools

Paper Removed from Furniture
Paper Not Removed from Furniture



Furniture




Waste
Paper and Office

Furniture Waste
Paper and Office
Category
Supplies Waste
School
Category
Supplies Waste Category
(weight
Category
Structure Sub-
(weight
(weight jiikI volume
cstim ales
(weight and volume
Type
est i ill ill es only)
cstini iitcs)
only)
cstini atcs)
Elementary
0
1
0.3
0.7
Schools
Middle Schools
0
1
0.3
0.7
High Schools
0
1
0.3
0.7
2.7.5 Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of items and materials
requiring disposal from a school:
•	All estimation factors for the number of students are based on the actual attendance of
the schools visited.
•	Estimates do not include items and materials from trailers or other buildings not
attached to the main school building.
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from decontamination fluid
is not accounted for.
•	Drywall and ceiling tiles will not be neatly stacked when packaged for shipment. The
base volume of drywall and ceiling tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied
by a factor of 1.3 to determine the total volume including void space.
•	Since some buildings may be constructed without using drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet,
and wood flooring, or because these materials may not be removed during the
decontamination process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and wood
flooring are broken out separately within the building materials category.
•	All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
• The amount of paper and school supplies is based on the assumption that all filing
cabinets, bookshelves, lockers, etc. are 75% full of paper and school supplies.
2.7.6 Category Descriptions
There are eleven primary waste categories for schools. Each of these categories is
described in Table 2-39 below.
Table 2-39. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Schools
Waste Category
Description
Total Non-
Structural Building
Materials
The Building Materials category for schools includes the estimates for drywall,
ceiling tiles, carpet, and wood flooring, as well as restroom equipment (i.e., toilets,
sinks, stall dividers, etc.), doors, blinds and window coverings, other floor
coverings (e.g., linoleum), acoustic tiles, and ventilation systems. Ventilation
system estimates include only duct work and vents. Air handlers and other
mechanical ventilation equipment are not included. Sprinkler systems and frames
supporting the drywall are also not included in this estimate. Since some buildings
may be constructed without using drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and wood flooring,
or because these materials may not be removed during the decontamination
process, estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and wood flooring are broken
out separately within the building materials category.
Drywall
Walls in schools are made primarily of cinderblock. Of the schools visited, less
than twenty walls per school were constructed with drywall. If more walls in the
school are constructed with drywall, the WME factors for drywall in schools may
provide an underestimate. This estimate does not include frames that support the
drywall. Because drywall will not be neatly stacked when removed from a
building, the base volume of drywall (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied
by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Ceiling Tiles
The Ceiling Tiles category estimate for schools includes ceiling tiles and frames.
The size and number of rooms without tiled ceilings (e.g., gymnasiums,
auditoriums, and mechanical rooms) increases from elementary to middle to high
schools. Estimates are based on elementary schools with approximately 90%,
middle schools with 85%, and high schools with 80% of the total square footage
of the school covered with ceiling tiles. If more ceilings are exposed or covered
with other materials, this may be an overestimate. Because tiles will not be neatly
stacked when removed from a building, the base volume of tiles (i.e., length *
width x height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume
including void spaces.
Carpet
The Carpet category estimate for schools includes only carpet on floors. Carpet
padding is not included because padding was not found at the schools visited. The
estimate is based on middle and high schools where approximately 20% of the
floor space is carpeted (libraries, multi-purpose rooms, and offices were carpeted).
For elementary schools, approximately 50% of the floor space is carpeted (most
classrooms, gymnasiums, libraries, multi-purpose room, and offices were
carpeted). Elementary school floors are more likely to be carpeted to cushion
children's falls. Carpet was assumed to be rolled and dry.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-39. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Schools
Waste Category
Description
Wood Flooring
(middle and high
schools only)
The Wood Flooring category estimate for schools includes the wood and padding
underneath the wood flooring. Wood floors are not expected at elementary schools
(gymnasiums were carpeted). In the middle and high schools visited, wooden-
floored gymnasiums and stages accounted for between 8 and 12% of the total
square footage of the school, depending on the size and number of gymnasiums.
Estimates based on 7/8 inch thick wood flooring with appropriate padding and
support structure underneath.
Electronic
Equipment
The Electronic Equipment category for schools includes the estimate for industrial
electronic equipment, as well as all computers, televisions, electronic laboratory
equipment, electronic janitorial equipment (i.e., vacuum cleaners, floor cleaners,
etc.), cooking equipment in teacher's lounges, and cooking classrooms, and lights
and light fixtures. Two potential types of waste materials that were not included
are wiring and mechanical ventilation and climate control equipment (i.e., air
handlers, boilers, etc.). This estimate is based on schools with a television in every
classroom, multiple computer laboratories, and one computer for every staff
member.
Industrial Electronic
Equipment
The Industrial Electronic Equipment category estimate for schools includes all
cafeteria electronic equipment (i.e., industrial ovens, freezers, etc.), circuit breaker
boxes, and telephone routing boxes.
Other Electronic
Equipment
This category excludes industrial electronic equipment.
Furniture
The Furniture category estimate for schools includes all furniture, cabinetry,
counter tops, lockers, divider panels, plants, chalkboards, and bulletin boards.
Also included in this estimate are non-electronic laboratory equipment (i.e., metal
stands, glassware, hoses, etc.) and auditorium items (i.e., theater seating, curtains,
podiums, risers, etc.). The volume for each item was determined by multiplying
the overall dimensions. All items are assumed to still be fully assembled. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
Music and Art
Equipment
The Music and Art Equipment category estimate for schools includes all musical
instruments and cases, music stands, theatrical props and sets, and art supplies.
The amount of theatrical props and sets and art supplies may vary widely between
schools, depending on storage space available.
Gym and Sports
Equipment
The Gym and Sports Equipment category estimate for schools includes basketball
hoops and mounts, gym lockers, gym dividers, wall and floor pads, workout
equipment, gymnastics equipment, wrestling mats, and sports equipment (i.e.,
football pads, basketballs, etc.) This estimate also includes large gymnasium
bleachers. Main high school gymnasium bleachers from schools visited could hold
between 1,000 and 1,500 people. The size and capacity of bleachers may vary
widely between schools.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-39. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Schools
Waste Category
Description
Paper and School
Supplies
The Paper and School Supplies estimate for schools is based on the assumption
that all filing cabinets, bookshelves, lockers, etc., are 75% full of paper and school
supplies. This estimation is consistent with the schools visited; however, the
quantity of paper and school supplies may vary based on the age of the school
(quantity of archived student records and other accumulated material), point in the
school year (paper slowly builds up in the school throughout the year), and the
size of the library. School libraries visited had between 5,000 (elementary school
library) and 15,000 books (high school library).
2.7.7 Data Analysis and Quality
The WME is designed to provide only an order of magnitude estimate for the amount of
waste that may be generated. Each structure is unique, and the amount of waste may vary
significantly between facilities of similar size. Several limitations of the tool include:
•	Currently enough data points are not available to calculate the accuracy of the tool;
•	The age of the structure is not accounted for (e.g., older facilities tend to have more
paper stored and may be constructed differently); and
•	No estimations for secondary schools (combined middle and high schools) or for
smaller private schools are available.
2.8 Shopping Malls
This section discusses the data sources, methodology, and assumptions used to generate
the waste category factors and the waste item factors for shopping malls, including a description
of each waste category, and a brief analysis of the data quality. This information was originally
presented in the document: Summary of Methodology and Data Collection for the Shopping Mall
Back-of-the-envelope Estimator (BoEEJ and Default Facility Inventories dated January 12,
2007.31
2.8.1 Data Sources
The factors for shopping mall waste estimates were generated based on a site visit to a
shopping mall, merchandise inventories from several retailers, mall tenant space allocation data,
and weights and dimensions of items from retail furniture catalogs.
31 Summary of Methodology and Data Collection for the Shopping Mall Back-of-the-envelope Estimator (BoEE)
and Default Facility Inventories. Memorandum from Aaron Osborne (ERG) to Paul Lemieux and Susan
Thorneloe (EPA), January 12, 2007.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.8.1.1	Site Visit
Through the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the leading trade
association representing owners of shopping malls and centers, General Growth Properties,
allowed ERG to visit a 969,000 ft2 gross leasable area (GLA) shopping mall in Northern
Virginia.
At the shopping mall, ERG conducted an inventory of all furniture, electronic equipment,
decorations, fixtures, and other items within the common areas of the mall (i.e., janitorial
storage, loading docks, hallways, kiosks, public restrooms, food court seating, and other areas
not associated with a specific store). Only one set of similar items or rooms was inventoried. For
example, an inventory was taken of only one set of restrooms. The inventoried set was multiplied
by the number of restrooms to calculate the total for the shopping mall. Inventories were
recorded on the appropriate checklists. The quantity of duct work, ventilation systems, drywall,
and other building materials was estimated by reviewing the floor plans of the shopping mall.
While the individual stores typically had inventories of their merchandise, they did not
have inventories of their retail equipment (e.g., display furniture, cash registers). During the site
visit, equipment inventories were also conducted of 14 retailers within several different store
types (e.g., apparel, furniture, and electronics). These equipment inventories were paired with
available merchandise inventories.
2.8.1.2	Merchandise Inventories
At the shopping mall visited, several stores provided available inventories of their
merchandise. Specific items were grouped into general categories of items (e.g., the number of
medium Nike red hooded sweatshirts was not recorded; rather, the total number of sweaters and
sweatshirts at the store was recorded). The National Retail Federation (NRF), the leading trade
association representing retailers, assisted ERG in obtaining these inventories.
2.8.1.3	Mall Tenant Space Allocation Data
ICSC provided May, 2004, data on mall tenant space allocation based on a national
survey they conduct monthly. The data represent the percent of the GLA leased by each of the
different store types (e.g., apparel, furniture, and electronics). Table 2-40 presents the national
average data that are used in the tool as default values.
Table 2-40. Default Values for Mall Tenant Space Allocation
Type of Store
Percent ofCiLA Associated with Store Type
Department Stores/Anchors
56%
Apparel
22%
Furniture
3%
Electronics
3%
Services/Specialty Stores
5%
Books/Toys
5%
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-40. Default Values for Mall Tenant Space Allocation
Type of Store
Percent of (iLA Associated with Store Type
Jewelry
2%
Restaurants
2%
Fast Food/Food Court
2%
Source: ICSC Research, Monthly Mall Merchandise Index, May 2004.
2.8.1.4 Item Weights and Dimensions
To estimate the total weight and volume of waste at a structure, the weight and volume of
each item must be known. Weights and dimensions for many items at a shopping mall were
already included in the waste item database located within the WME. Additional retail display
items were added to the database based on weights and dimensions found in catalogs of common
retail display vendors (e.g., Trio Retail Design & Equipment, www.triodisplav.com. last
accessed December 21. 2015).
2.8.2 Methodology
The methodology used to develop estimates for shopping malls is similar to the
methodology used for other structure types previously developed (e.g., offices, schools, hotels,
movie theaters). However, because the type and quantity of waste may vary significantly among
the different types of stores, the Shopping Mall WME allows the user to assign the percentage of
retail space associated with each type of store to properly model the affected structure (e.g., one
mall may have a significantly greater percentage of the GLA occupied by electronics stores).
Default values for the percentage of the GLA occupied by each store type based on 2004 national
averages are included in the tool. However, these defaults may be modified by the user if more
specific data are available. For example, if a shopping mall contains no department stores, the
percent for department stores could be changed to 0 and the other store types increased as
appropriate. Additionally, if only a few stores within the shopping center are affected, the
percentages may be modified. Note that these values are the percentage of the GLA, not the
percentage of the number of stores. Using these percentages, the mall is essentially broken up
into several smaller areas by type of store to estimate the total quantity of waste.
The only parameter the user must provide is the gross leasable area (GLA) of the
shopping mall. The GLA includes only the portion of the mall that may be leased to tenant
retailers. Common areas (e.g., hallways, public restrooms) are specifically excluded. Other
parameters such as the total square footage of the mall and the number of stores were
investigated however, GLA was selected because it is the most common metric used in the
industry, is available on most mall websites, and is known by almost all mall managers. In
discussions with mall managers and from reviewing floor plans, the total square footage of the
mall was not readily available and is difficult to determine quickly. The number of stores also
did not provide accurate estimates because the average store size may vary widely.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.8.2.1	Individual Store Inventories
ERG used the data sources previously described to create inventories for each of the 14
stores inventoried in detail. These inventories merged the merchandise inventories provided by
the retailers, inventories of retail equipment collected during the site visit, and estimates of
building materials based on the structure floor plans. Note smaller items were placed in "boxes"
based on the approximate weight of each item (e.g., calculators, security cameras, extension
cords, etc., were placed in "boxes of electronics"). Additionally, similar items were grouped
(e.g., all clothing was placed in "boxes of apparel"). Inventories were also created for the
common areas (e.g., mall management offices, hallways) based mainly on data collected during
the site visit. These master inventories for each type of store or common area were used to create
the waste item factors for the default structure inventories and the waste category factors for the
WME.
2.8.2.2	Default Structure Inventories
To create the parameters used to generate default structure inventories, each item on the
master inventories was divided by the square footage of the retail store to generate the waste item
factors for each store (e.g., Apparel Store #1 had three computers for 8,032 sq ft, which equals
0.00037 computers per ft2). The item factors from stores within the same store type were
averaged to create the factors used in the WME.
To minimize the number of items and the resulting complexity, items of similar
materials, weights, and dimensions were combined. For example, a desktop fax machine is very
similar in dimensions and material content to a desktop printer. Additionally, while a structure
may have five-foot, six-foot, and eight-foot folding tables, the default structure inventories
contain only six-foot folding tables. In all cases, the user can add or remove items to further
refine and tailor the inventory to the user's specific needs.
To generate default structure inventories, the tool multiplies each item factor for each
type of store by the square footage associated with each type of store (e.g., number of computers
associated with apparel stores = GLA x % of GLA associated with apparel stores / number of
computers per sq ft of apparel stores) and then sums the values for all store types (e.g., total
number of computers = number of computers associated with apparel stores + number of
computers associated with electronics stores + ...).
2.8.2.3	Waste Category Estimates
Similar items in the inventories were grouped into the waste categories, described in
greater detail in Section 2.8.5. A weight and volume were assigned to each item in the waste
category based on information in the waste item database. The total weight and volume for the
waste category were calculated by summing the individual weights and volumes of all items in
the category. The total weight and volume of each waste category were divided by the parameter
appropriate for each type of store to generate the waste category factors for each type of store
(e.g., Apparel Store #1 had 1 ton of Other Electronic Equipment for 8,032 ft2, which equals
0.000124 tons of Other Electronic Equipment per ft2). The waste category factors from stores
within the same store type were averaged to create the factors used in the WME.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
To generate estimates for the quantity of waste requiring disposal, a methodology similar
to the methodology previously described for the default structure inventories is used to make
estimates for each waste category:
2.8.3 Waste Category Factors
Based on the data and methodology presented above, Table 2-41 and Table 2-42 present
the factors used by the WME to generate order of magnitude estimates of the quantity of waste
that may require disposal from a shopping mall. Note that the tool does not present estimates for
each type of store, rather presents an estimate for the entire shopping mall. A description of the
items that are included in each waste category is presented in Section 2.8.5. The tool also allows
the user to account for the additional weight and volume added by packaging materials and for
material found in common areas, which are further described below.
(Eq. 2-6)
where:
WCF,
SAt
Estimate of waste for waste category i for all store types, tons or yd3
Waste category factor for waste category i and store type t (tons/ft2 or
yd3/ft2) (from Table 2-41 and Table 2-42)
Input parameter value x (Gross Leasable Area, GLA), ft2
Space allocation for store type t, % of GLA
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-41. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Shopping Malls
Store Type, t
Anchor
Apparel
I'urnilure
Kleclronics
Se ibices/Specialty
Waste Category
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI-
(yd3/ft2)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
1.42E-03M
6.72E-03U
2.35E-03U
9.82E-03ta]
1.97E-03M
9.56E-03U
1.78E-03M
9.95E-03U
3.78E-03ta]
1.35E-02W
Drywall
8.85E-04
2.56E-03
6.97E-04
2.01E-03
5.54E-04
1.60E-03
6.96E-04
2.01E-03
1.22E-03
3.54E-03
Ceiling Tiles
2.82E-04
3.45E-03
3.86E-04
4.11E-03
4.06E-04
4.33E-03
4.07E-04
4.34E-03
3.72E-04
3.96E-03
Carpet
8.40E-05
4.15E-04
3.91E-05
1.93E-04
2.14E-04
1.06E-03
2.12E-04
1.05E-03
8.95E-05
4.42E-04
Marble and Ceramic Tiles
1.17E-04
2.61E-04
1.87E-04
2.80E-04
5.40E-05
1.20E-04
1.36E-04
3.03E-04
9.43E-04
1.27E-03
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
4.93E-05
3.95E-05
1.04E-03
3.23E-03
7.38E-04
2.46E-03
3.26E-04
2.24E-03
1.15E-03
4.33E-03
Electronic Equipment
3.00E-04tb]
1.95E-03M
1.30E-04M
7.32E-04tb]
2.36E-04tb]
3.47E-03tb]
2.15E-03tb]
1.46E-02M
5.93E-04tb]
4.02E-03tb]
Industrial Electronic Equipment
9.73E-06
1.41E-05
6.18E-06
8.48E-06
5.00E-08
2.22E-04
1.13E-05
1.55E-05
1.99E-05
2.73E-05
Other Electronic Equipment
2.91E-04
1.94E-03
1.24E-04
7.23E-04
2.36E-04
3.25E-03
2.14E-03
1.46E-02
5.73E-04
3.99E-03
Furniture
1.37E-03U
3.22E-02U
1.27E-03U
3.69E-02U
1.76E-03U
3.11E-02U
1.96E-03U
2.47E-02U
1.44E-03M
2.21E-02U
Retail Furniture
1.30E-03
3.13E-02
1.24E-03
3.65E-02
1.72E-03
3.05E-02
1.90E-03
2.40E-02
1.13E-03
1.76E-02
Office Furniture
6.57E-05
9.10E-04
2.59E-05
3.32E-04
3.95E-05
6.31E-04
5.49E-05
7.02E-04
3.05E-04
4.52E-03
Paper/Office Supplies
4.72E-05
4.26E-04
2.06E-05
1.86E-04
5.00E-05
4.51E-04
1.13E-04
1.02E-03
1.92E-04
1.74E-03
Food
3.72E-09
1.78E-08
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Apparel
8.61E-04
1.18E-02
1.23E-03
1.69E-02
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other Merchandise and Supplies
2.88E-04
2.24E-03
1.19E-04
1.58E-03
5.15E-05
1.09E-03
7.80E-05
8.05E-04
1.55E-03
9.44E-03
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding the individual waste category estimates for
the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Marble and Ceramic Tiles, and Other Non-Structural Building Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual waste quantity estimates for the Industrial
Electronic Equipment, and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
[c]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Furniture is calculated by adding the individual waste quantity estimates for the Retail Furniture and Office
Furniture waste categories.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-42. WME Interior/Non-Structural Factors for Shopping Malls
Store Type, t
IJooks/'I'ovs
Jewelrv
Restaurant
Pood Court
Common Areas
Waste Category
\YCI
(ton/ft2)
\YCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
WCI
(ton/ft2)
WCI
(yd3/ft2)
>YCI-
(ton/ft2)
>Y(T
(yd3/ft2)
Total Non-Structural Building
Materials
1.36E-03M
8.83E-03ta]
5.51E-03U
1.23E-02M
3.42E-03U
1.38E-02M
4.55E-03U
2.12E-02U
2.21E-04U
7.24E-04U
Drywall
5.77E-04
1.67E-03
2.06E-03
5.96E-03
8.97E-04
2.59E-03
1.38E-03
4.00E-03
1.28E-04
3.69E-04
Ceiling Tiles
4.11E-04
4.38E-03
0
0
4.06E-04
4.33E-03
3.94E-04
4.20E-03
1.19E-05
1.26E-04
Carpet
2.64E-04
1.30E-03
2.64E-04
1.30E-03
0
0
0
0
4.06E-07
2.01E-06
Marble and Ceramic Tiles
0
0
2.81E-03
2.07E-03
4.88E-04
1.09E-03
4.04E-04
9.02E-04
5.09E-05
1.05E-04
Other Non-Structural Building
Materials
1.11E-04
1.48E-03
3.77E-04
2.92E-03
1.63E-03
5.83E-03
2.37E-03
1.21E-02
3.07E-05
1.22E-04
Electronic Equipment
9.59E-04tb]
9.10E-03tb]
2.96E-04tb]
1.36E-03M
1.49E-03M
1.45E-02M
4.22E-03tb]
3.83E-02tb]
1.74E-05M
1.27E-04M
Industrial Electronic Equipment
7.03E-06
9.64E-06
2.51E-05
3.45E-05
1.29E-03
1.39E-02
3.99E-03
3.63E-02
3.68E-06
1.95E-05
Other Electronic Equipment
9.51E-04
9.09E-03
2.71E-04
1.33E-03
2.02E-04
5.70E-04
2.34E-04
2.06E-03
1.37E-05
1.07E-04
Furniture
2.87E-03U
4.43E-02U
1.52E-03U
1.37E-02U
1.78E-03U
3.71E-02U
1.32E-03U
2.52E-02U
3.46E-05tc]
7.69E-04tc]
Retail Furniture
2.83E-03
4.37E-02
1.39E-03
1.21E-02
1.71E-03
3.63E-02
1.32E-03
2.52E-02
3.00E-05
7.13E-04
Office Furniture
4.02E-05
5.88E-04
1.22E-04
1.56E-03
6.33E-05
8.43E-04
0
0
4.55E-06
5.53E-05
Paper/Office Supplies
4.25E-03
7.97E-03
5.03E-05
4.54E-04
4.17E-05
3.76E-04
1.35E-03
1.22E-02
7.33E-06
6.61E-05
Food
0
0
0
0
6.13E-04
3.42E-03
1.01E-03
5.96E-03
7.43E-08
3.57E-07
Apparel
0
0
0
0
3.13E-05
4.63E-04
0
0
2.58E-07
3.82E-06
Other Merchandise and Supplies
1.55E-03
2.09E-02
4.25E-04
8.29E-04
3.93E-04
2.26E-03
4.34E-04
2.81E-03
9.35E-06
1.35E-04
[a]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Total Non-Structural Building Materials is calculated by adding the individual waste category estimates for
the Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, Marble and Ceramic Tiles, and Other Non-Structural Building Materials waste categories.
[b]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Electronic Equipment is calculated by adding the individual waste quantity estimates for the Industrial
Electronic Equipment, and Other Electronic Equipment waste categories.
[c]	Represents a calculated value. The estimate for Furniture is calculated by adding the individual waste quantity estimates for the Retail Furniture and Office
Furniture waste categories.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
2.8.3.1 Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If waste items are packaged prior to shipment, the packaging material will increase the
volume and weight. If the user chooses to account for this increase in volume and weight, the
volume of the estimate for each waste material category will increase by 10% and the weight of
the each estimate will increase by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packaging
material may vary based on the type and shape of the item, the type of packaging material used,
and the packaging requirements for the various contaminants. Note that packaging material is not
accounted for in the default structure inventories.
Table 2-43. Packaging Materials Factors for Shopping Malls
Waste Category Kstimate Bused On...
VMV
Weight
0.05
Volume
0.10
2.8.3.2 Materials in Common Areas
Common areas in shopping malls include mall management offices, janitorial storage,
loading docks, hallways, kiosks, public restrooms, food court seating, and other areas not
associated with a specific store. The tool allows the user to exclude items that may be generated
from common areas by selecting a check box. If the box within the tool is checked, only the
waste generated from within a store or shop will be included and waste estimates for the
Common Areas will not be included. This omission may be appropriate if only a particular store
or group of stores is contaminated, or most materials in the common areas do not require
disposal. Additionally, not accounting for waste generated from common areas may more
appropriately model open shopping centers that do not have these types of areas; however, open
shopping centers were outside the scope of this effort, and the applicability of the tool to these
facilities is unknown. If this box within the tool is not checked, waste that may be generated
from these areas is included in the estimate. This inclusion is appropriate if the entire mall is
contaminated and all material will require disposal.
2.8.4 Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of waste materials
requiring disposal from a shopping mall:
•	100% of the GLA is assumed to be occupied.
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from any decontamination
fluid is not accounted for.
•	Drywall and ceiling tiles will not be neatly stacked when packaged for shipment. The
base volume of drywall and ceiling tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied
by a factor of 1.3 to determine the total volume including void space.
•	Since some buildings may be constructed without one or more of the listed building
materials (i.e., drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and marble and ceramic tiles), or because
these materials may not be removed during the decontamination process, estimates
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and marble and ceramic tiles are broken out
separately within the Non-Structural Building Materials waste material category.
Additionally, users can exclude these categories when generating a default structure
inventory.
•	All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
•	Movie theaters are not included in the waste estimates for Shopping Malls. If a movie
theater is located within the Shopping Mall, the GLA should be reduced to exclude
the portion associated with the theater.
2.8.5 Category Descriptions
WME estimates for shopping malls are broken into the following waste categories.
Details and assumptions for each waste category for which estimates are generated are described
in Table 2-44 below.
Table 2-44. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Shopping
Malls
Waste Category
Description
Total Non-
Structural
Building Materials
This estimate includes the estimates for drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and marble
and ceramic tiles as well as restroom equipment (i.e., toilets, sinks, stall dividers,
etc.), doors, other floor coverings (e.g., wood floors, linoleum), and ventilation
systems. Note that ventilation systems estimates include only duct work and vents.
Air handlers and other mechanical ventilation equipment are not included. Sprinkler
systems, piping, and frames supporting the drywall are assumed to remain in place
and are also not included in this estimate. Since some buildings may be constructed
without using drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, and marble and ceramic tiles, or because
these materials may not be removed during the decontamination process, estimates
for these materials are broken out separately within the building materials category.
Drywall
This estimate includes drywall on walls and ceilings. Frames supporting the drywall
are not included in this estimate. This estimate is based on shopping malls with
approximately 90% of the interior walls covered with drywall (only some back
utility and storage room walls were not covered with drywall). Additionally,
approximately 10% of the ceilings were covered with drywall (vaulted ceilings in
the hallways, and a few stores). Because drywall will not be neatly stacked when
removed from a building, the base volume of drywall (i.e., length x width * height)
is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Ceiling Tiles
This estimate includes ceiling tiles and frames. Most ceilings within the retail stores
at the mall visited were covered with ceiling tiles. Additionally, the ceilings in the
mall management offices and back hallways were also covered with ceiling tiles.
Because tiles will not be neatly stacked when removed from a building, the base
volume of tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to
arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-44. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Shopping
Malls
Waste Category
Description
Carpet
This estimate includes only carpet on floors. Carpet padding is not included because
padding was not found at the shopping mall visited. Carpet was found in the mall
management office and in approximately 70% of the floors within the retail stores.
Carpet was assumed to be rolled and dry.
Marble and
Ceramic Tiles
This estimate includes all marble and ceramic tiles on the floors and around
fountains. Most hallways of the shopping mall visited were covered with tiles.
Other Non-
Structural
Building Materials
This estimate includes all building material not included in other building material
subcategories (Drywall, Ceiling Tiles, Carpet, and Marble and Ceramic Tiles). The
building materials in this estimate include restroom equipment, doors, glass panes,
other floor coverings, duct work, and vents.
Electronic
Equipment
Included in this category is the estimate for industrial electronic equipment, as well
as all computers, televisions, and other electronic merchandise, electronic janitorial
equipment (i.e., vacuum cleaners, floor cleaners, etc.), and lights and light fixtures.
Potential sources of BDR that were not included are wiring, mechanical ventilation
and climate control equipment (i.e., air handlers, boilers, etc.), and elevators and
escalators.
Industrial
Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all kitchen electronic equipment (i.e., industrial ovens,
freezers, etc.), water heaters, laundry equipment, circuit breaker boxes, and
telephone routing boxes. Most of the industrial electronic equipment identified at
shopping malls was found in restaurants.
Other Electronic
Equipment
This estimate includes all items listed above in the Electronics Equipment category
with the exception of industrial electronic equipment.
Furniture
This estimate includes all items in the Retail Furniture and Office Furniture
Categories presented below. The volume for each item was determined by
multiplying the overall dimensions. All items are assumed to still be fully
assembled. Only minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs
are folded).
Retail Furniture
This estimate includes all furniture for retail displays (e.g., clothes racks, shelving).
The estimate also includes checkout counters, seating and tables in restaurants,
furniture for sale in furniture stores and trash cans.
Office Furniture
This estimate includes only office furniture in the management office and in back
rooms in the retail stores (e.g., desks, office chairs, filing cabinets).
Paper/Office
Supplies
This estimate is based on the assumption that all office filing cabinets, bookshelves,
etc. are 50% full of paper and office supplies. Additionally, books and other
paper/office supply merchandise, phone books, toilet paper, janitorial paper
products, food service paper products (e.g., plates, napkins), and other paper
products are also included in this estimate.
Food
This estimate is based on detailed inventories of all standard food kept on hand. The
food on hand may be significantly lower between deliveries or after several busy
nights.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-44. Interior/Non-Structural Waste Categories and Descriptions for Shopping
Malls
Waste Category
Description
Apparel
This estimate includes all shoes, shirts, pants, ties, towels, sheets, and other linens
and apparel. This estimate is based on available merchandise inventories at several
apparel stores.
Other
Merchandise and
Supplies
This estimate includes all other materials found at the shopping mall, including
dishes at restaurants, jewelry, plastic toys, pots and other cooking supplies, cleaning
supplies, perfumes, soaps, sporting goods, maintenance supplies (e.g., cans of paint,
rock salt, tools), and plants.
2.8.6 Data Analysis and Quality
The default values for the mall tenant space allocation provided in the tool are based on a
large national survey conducted by ICSC and should be appropriate for the order of magnitude
estimations required for the WME.
Because only one site visit was conducted, it is impossible to perform a statistical
analysis of the data used to generate the Shopping Mall WME Category and Item Factors.
However, based on conversations with the NRF and its members, the contents and design of
most stores of the same brand are fairly typical and standard (i.e., two Gap stores of a similar
size would contain a similar quantity of items and materials). Therefore, ERG believes that
estimates made based on these factors are appropriate for the order of magnitude estimations
required for the WME. Because of the standard designs used for most chain stores, data collected
should be very similar to other stores within the same category. If future refinements to the tool
were to be performed, ERG recommends additional site visits to other malls to determine the
potential variation between waste materials that may be generated from common areas (e.g.,
hallways, mall management offices).
2.9 Single-Family Residences
Estimates are currently available for single-family residences. The estimates are based on
the Building Deconstruction and Assessment Tool32 and standard industry floor plans and
building materials lists. The estimates are based on homes ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 ft2
(basements excluded). The applicability of these estimates to homes outside this range is
uncertain. Additionally, the estimates are based mainly on wood-framed houses. The
applicability of these estimates to alternative construction methods is also uncertain.
32 The Building Deconstruction and Assessment Tool (Decon 2.0) was developed by the National Defense Center
for Environmental Excellence. The tool is designed to provide estimates of the quantity and value of material
that may be salvaged from deconstructing a building to determine if deconstruction is a viable alternative to
demolition. While the Residential WME may be used to generate order of magnitude estimates, more specific
estimates may be generated using Decon 2.0. Please contact Dr. Edgar Smith at
Edgar.d.smith@erdc.usace.army.mil for additional information on the tool or to obtain a copy of the tool.
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
The estimates for single-family residences differ from estimates for other structure types
in that pipes, wiring, and climate control equipment are included in this estimator, but are
excluded for other structure types.
2.9.1	Average Square Footage of the Affected Residences and Number of Affected
Residences
Estimates for each single-family residence waste material category are based on the
square footage of the affected residence(s) and the WME generates an estimate for an average
house of that size. Some estimates are more dependent on one parameter than another. For
example, a house with 2,000 ft2 and a house with 5,000 ft2 will both typically have only one
dishwasher. However, a house with 2,000 ft2 will likely have fewer bathrooms than a house with
5,000 ft2. Therefore, an estimate for five affected residences with an average square footage of
1,000 ft2 will be different from an estimate for one affected residence with 5,000 ft2.
2.9.2	Percent of Brick/Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls
Exterior walls in single-family residences may be covered with bricks, aluminum siding,
vinyl siding, wood siding, and other materials. The weight of building materials required for
houses with brick/masonry exterior walls may be more than double the weight of building
material required for houses with vinyl siding. Therefore, if structural material estimates are
desired, then the percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls must be specified.
Brick/masonry-faced exterior walls are more likely in older and more expensive neighborhoods
or in regions of the country where wood-framed houses are not typical and are less likely in
newer or middle-class neighborhoods. As the percentage of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls
increases, the quantity of concrete/masonry will increase. However, the quantity of wood and
wood sheathing under siding and other building materials (siding) will decrease. Please note that
even if the percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls is set to 0, some masonry may be
estimated from brick or stone fireplaces.
2.9.3	Additional Weight and Volume Added by Packaging Materials
If items are packaged prior to shipment, the packaging material will increase the volume
and weight. If you chose to account for this increase in volume and weight, the volume of the
estimate for each category will increase by 10% and the weight of the each estimate will increase
by 5%. Actual increases in weight and volume due to packaging material may vary based on the
type and shape of the item, the type of packaging material used, and the packaging requirements
for the various contaminants.
2.9.4	Structural Materials
Due to the extent of the damage or contamination, a single-family residence may require
complete demolition or may only require gutting. If the Include estimates for building structural
materials option is selected, the entire structure and all of its contents are included in the
estimate. Alternatively, if this option is not selected, only the contents of the structure are
included in the estimate. Gutting assumes all structural wood and masonry, siding, foundation,
roofing, pipes, and exterior doors and windows would not be included in the waste estimate;
however, all drywall, carpet and other interior flooring, duct work, bathroom and kitchen
2-65

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
equipment, appliances and electronic equipment (including all wiring), furniture, and personal
effects would be included. If structural material estimates are included, the structural materials
are divided into two categories: brick, wood, and other materials; and reinforced concrete and
steel. Any of those materials that are not structural will appear in the non-structural/interiors
category. To match the two Structural Materials categories across all structure types into "brick,
wood, and other" and "reinforced concrete and steel," the factors and calculations used to
estimate Structural Materials for single-family residences were revised to be able to segregate the
individual item estimates into the two categories. The total estimated Structural Materials
amount will not change, just the presentation of the individual item estimates and how those
items are grouped together for the purposes of presentation in the results page of the WME.
2.9.5	Foundations
The WME assumes single-family residences are built on a concrete slab or have concrete
basement foundations. Depending on the reason for demolition, the concrete foundation may be
removed or left in place for future construction. Concrete foundations may account for up to 70%
of the total weight of material that may require disposal. This option is available only if the
Include estimates for building structural materials option is selected.
2.9.6	Factors and Calculations
Because the Building Deconstruction and Assessment Tool (Decon 2.0) was used to
model single-family residences, the waste category factor approach used for the other structures
available in the WME was not used. The output of Decon 2.0 was a set of linear equations with
the structure square footage as the independent variable and the mass or volume of items
comprising the waste category as the dependent variable.
Because the WME divides estimates into structural and interior/non-structural waste
categories, additional equations were developed by ERG that allows fractions of certain waste
categories to be partitioned across either structural or interior/non-structural categories. The
equations and tables presented in the following sections are divided between non-building
materials (interiors and contents) and building materials (structural and non-structural building
materials).
2.9.6.1 Non-Building Materials
Estimates for the Drywall, Carpet, Bathroom/Kitchen, Electronic Equipment, Furniture,
and Personal Effects/Other Items waste categories are not affected by:
•	The percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls,
•	Whether the building structural materials are included in the estimates, or
•	Whether the foundations are accounted for.
Therefore, Equation 2-7 is used to estimate waste for each non-building material
category:
Ewc-i = ((m wc-i)(SFsingle-familyresidence) + bwc-i )(1 or 0.037)	(Eq. 2-7)
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
where:
Ewc-i = Estimate of waste for waste category z, tons or yd3
mwc-i = Slope for waste category i (from Table 2-45)
SFsingle-family residence = Square footage of single-family residence
bwc-i = Intercept for waste category i (from Table 2-45)
0.037 = Conversion from ft3 to yd3
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037). If Ewc-i <0.5, then
the result is rounded to zero. Also, some values may end up negative. If the values are negative,
the number of items will be zero.
Table 2-45. WME Factors for Non-Building Materials from Single-Family Residences

Weight
Volume

(tons)
(ff)
W aste Category
m«ci
bwc-i
111 we j
bwc-i
Drywall
0.00462
0.321
0.360
25.1
Carpet
0.000276
-0.0342
0.0564
-7.00
Bathroom/Kitchen
0.000444
0.360
0.0724
233
Electronic Equipment
0.000273
0.562
0.0859
176
Furniture
0.000780
0.365
0.318
208
Personal Effects/Other Household Items
0.000295
0.451
0.0905
181
2.9.6.2 Building Materials
2.9.6.2.1 Wood and Other Building Materials
The Percent Masonry specified affects the estimates for the Wood and Other Building
Materials waste categories; however, the inclusion or exclusion of the residence foundation does
not affect the estimates for these categories. Estimates for the wood and other building materials
from a single-family residence are made separately for structural and non-structural items. To
estimate the structural and non-structural wood and other building materials waste categories, the
following equations are used:
2.9.6.2.1.1 Structural Wood and Structural Other Building Materials
Waste from structural wood and other building materials is estimated using Equation 2-8:
Ewc-i = (n x ((M / 100 x (SF x Mioo% Slope + Mioo% Intercept)) +
((100 - M) /100 x (SF x Mo% Slope + Mo% Intercept)) -
(n x (SF x G Slope + G Intercept)) (1 or 0.037)	(Eq. 2-8)
where:
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Ewc-i
Estimate of waste for waste category /, tons or yd3
n =
Number of single-family residences
M
Percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls, %
SF
Square footage, ft2
Mioo% Slope =
Slope for 100% masonry-faced exterior walls (from Table 2-46)
Mioo% Intercept =
Intercept for 100% masonry-faced exterior walls (from Table

2-46)
Mo% Slope =
Slope for 0% masonry-faced exterior walls (from Table 2-47)
Mo% Intercept =
Intercept for 0% masonry-faced exterior walls (from Table 2-47)
G Slope =
Slope for structure gutting (from Table 2-48)
G Intercept =
Intercept for structure gutting (from Table 2-48)
0.037
Conversion from ft3 to yd3
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037).
2.9.6.2.1.2 Non-Structural Wood and Non-Structural Other Building Materials
Waste from non-structural wood and other building materials is estimated using Equation
2-9:
Ewc-i = n x ( SF x G Slope + G Intercept) (1 or 0.037)
(Eq. 2-9)
where:
Ewc-i	=	Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or yd3
n	=	Number of single-family residences
SF	=	Square footage, ft2
G Slope	=	Slope for structure gutting (from Table 2-48)
G Intercept	=	Intercept for structure gutting (from Table 2-48)
0.037	=	Conversion from ft3 to yd3
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037).
Table 2-46. WME Factors for Building Materials from Single-Family Residences with
100% Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls
Waste Category
Weigh
Mioo% Slope
M,
(tons)
Mi		 Intercept
00%
Vol u n
Mr		 Slope
.e(lt')
Mi		 Intercept
Wood
0.00399
2.54
0.221
150
Other Building Materials
0.00252
2.94
0.848
244
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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-47. WME Factors for Building Materials from Single-Family Residences with 0%
Masonry-Faced Exterior Walls
Waste Category
M0%
Weigh
Mo% Slope
(tons)
Mnuii Intercept
Vol u n
iVlii»i, Slope
ie (IV*)
Mou„ Intercept
Wood
0.00452
4.74
0.252
279
Other Building Materials
0.00275
3.32
0.891
315
Table 2-48. WME Factors for Building Materials from Gutted Single-Family Residences
Waste Category
(
Weight (tons)
I
Volume (IV*)
(.» Slope
C.t Intercept
Ci Slope
Ci Intercept
Wood
0.000733
-0.873
0.0407
-48.5
Other Building Materials
0.00180
0.354
0.750
137
2.9.6.2.2 Concrete and Masonry
The estimates for concrete and masonry are dependent on both the specified percent
masonry and whether the residence foundation is included. No concrete or masonry is included
as part of the non-structural estimates and therefore, these two waste categories appear in the
estimate results only if structural material estimates are included in the calculation.
If the foundation IS NOT included in the estimates, then the following equations are used:
2.9.6.2.2.1 Structural Concrete and Masonry Materials - Foundation Not Included
For estimates that do not include the structure foundation, estimates are generated using
Equations 2-10 and 2-11 and Table 2-49:
Concrete:
where:
Ewc-i
11	=
M
SF
NF Slope =
NF Intercept
0.037
2-69
Ewc-i = (n x ((100-M)/100 )x
(SF x NF Slope + NF Intercept)) (1 or 0.037)	(Eq. 2-10)
Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or yd3
Number of single-family residences
Percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls, %
Square footage, ft2
Slope for no foundation (from Table 2-49)
= Intercept for no foundation (from Table 2-49)
Conversion from ft3 to yd3

-------
Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037).
Masonry:
Ewc-i = (n x (M / 100) x (SF x NF Slope + NF Intercept)) (1 or 0.037) (Eq. 2-11)
where:
Ewc-i	=	Estimate of waste for waste category i, tons or yd3
n	=	Number of single-family residences
M	=	Percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls, %
SF	=	Square footage, ft2
NF Slope	=	Slope for no foundation (from Table 2-49)
NF Intercept	= Intercept for no foundation (from Table 2-49)
0.037	=	Conversion from ft3 to yd3
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037).
Table 2-49. WME Factors for Structural Concrete and Masonry Materials From Single-
Family Residences Where Foundations Are Not Included
Waste Category
Weigh
NF Slope
NOFOIII*
(tons)
INF Intercept
NATION
Vol u n
NF Slope
.e(lf)
NF Intercept
Concrete
0.000881
-0.173
0.026
-5.18
Masonry
0.0105
14.8
0.315
444
2.9.6.2.2.2 Structural Concrete and Masonry Materials - Foundation Included
For estimates that do include the structure foundation, estimates are generated using
Equations 2-12 and 2-13 and Table 2-50:
Concrete:
Ewc-i = (n	x (100 - M) x (F Intercept + F Slope x SF)) (1 or 0.037) (Eq. 2-12)
where:
Ewc-i	=	Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or yd3
n	=	Number of single-family residences
M	=	Percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls, %
SF	=	Square footage, ft2
F Slope	=	Slope for foundation (from Table 2-50)
F Intercept	=	Intercept for foundation (from Table 2-50)
2-70

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
0.037 = Conversion from ft3 to yd3
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037).
Masonry:
Ewc-i = (n x M x (F Intercept + F Slope x SF)) (1 or 0.037)	(Eq. 2-13)
where:
Ewc-i
Estimate of waste for waste category / , tons or yd3
n =
Number of single-family residences
M
Percent of brick/masonry-faced exterior walls, %
SF
Square footage, ft2
F Slope =
Slope for foundation (from Table 2-50)
F Intercept =
Intercept for foundation (from Table 2-50)
0.037
Conversion from ft3 to yd3
When estimating weight using Equation 2-7, the conversion factor of 1 is used. When
estimating volume, the conversion factor from ft3 to yd3 must be used (0.037).
Table 2-50. WME Factors for Structural Concrete and Masonry Materials From Single-
Family Residences Where Foundations Are Included
Waste Category
FOUND
Weight (tons)
ATION
Volume (IV*)
F Slope
F Intercept
F Slope
F Intercept
Concrete
0.0165
43.6
0.286
725
Masonry
0.0261
58.6
0.575
1170
2.9.7 Assumptions and Key Notes
The following assumptions are made when estimating the amount of materials requiring
disposal from a single-family residence:
•	The estimates are based on homes ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 ft2 (basements
excluded).
•	The estimates are mainly based on wood-framed homes.
•	All weights are dry weights. Additional weight of water from any decontamination
fluid is not accounted for.
•	Drywall will not be neatly stacked when packaged for shipment. The base volume of
drywall and ceiling tiles (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a factor of 1.3
to determine the total volume including void space.
2-71

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
•	Since some houses may be constructed without one or more of the listed building
materials (i.e., drywall, wood, concrete/masonry, and carpet), or because these
materials may not be removed during the decontamination process, estimates for
drywall, wood, concrete/masonry, and carpet are broken out separately within the
building materials category.
•	All items are assumed to be shipped for disposal fully assembled. The volume for
each item is determined by multiplying its maximum overall dimensions. Only
minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables and chairs are folded).
2.9.8 Category Descriptions
WME estimates for single-family residences are broken into the following waste
categories. Details and assumptions for each category for which estimates are generated are
described in Table 2-51, below.
Table 2-51. Waste Categories and Descriptions for Single-Family Residences
Waste
Category
Descri pt ion
Total Non-
Structural
Building
Materials
This estimate includes the estimates for drywall, wood, concrete/masonry, carpet, and
other building materials, as discussed below. Since some houses may be constructed
without using drywall, wood, concrete/masonry, and carpet, or because these materials
may not be removed during the decontamination process, estimates for these materials
are broken out separately within the building materials category.
Drywall
This estimate includes drywall on walls and ceilings. Wood frames supporting the
drywall are not included in this estimate. This estimate is based on residences with over
90% of the interior walls covered with drywall (only some back utilities and garages
were not covered with drywall). Because drywall will not be neatly stacked when
removed from a building, the base volume of drywall (i.e., length x width x height) is
multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Wood
This estimate includes all wood used for framing walls, ceilings, and roofs, as well as
plywood used for floors and sheathing under shingles and siding. Wood framing is
assumed to be behind most brick/masonry-faced exterior walls. This estimate does not
include wood furniture. Because wood will not be neatly stacked when removed from a
building, the base volume of wood (i.e., length x width x height) is multiplied by a
factor of 1.3 to arrive at the total volume including void spaces.
Concrete/
Masonry
This estimate includes concrete slab foundations (including concrete basements),
brick/masonry exterior walls, and brick/masonry used for chimneys. The percent of
brick/masonry-faced exterior walls will affect this estimate as will the inclusion of
concrete foundations. Due to the weight of these materials, the concrete/masonry
category may comprise over 80% of the total waste materials that may require disposal.
Carpet
This estimate includes only carpet and carpet padding on floors. Carpet padding is
assumed to be under all carpet in residences. Carpet and padding are assumed to be
rolled and dry.
2-72

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Section 2—Non-Structural/Interior Items and Materials
Table 2-51. Waste Categories and Descriptions for Single-Family Residences
Wiiste
Csilcgory
Description
Other Non-
Structural
Building
Materials
This estimate includes all building material not included in other building material
subcategories (Drywall, Wood, Carpet/Masonry, and Carpet). The building materials in
this estimate include windows and doors, siding and shingles, pipes, electrical wiring,
duct work, insulation, and other floor coverings (e.g., linoleum, tiles). Please note that
these estimates differ from estimates for other structure types (e.g., offices, schools,
movie theaters), in that pipes and wiring are included.
Kitchen/
Bathroom
This estimate includes all kitchen and bathroom items, including toilets, showers, sinks,
faucets and knobs, cabinets, and counter tops. Appliances are excluded from this
estimate.
Electronic
Equipment
This estimate included all electronic equipment and appliances. Included in this category
are laundry washers and dryers, kitchen appliances (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers,
ovens, microwaves, toasters, and garbage disposals), televisions, computers, stereos,
clocks, water heaters, heat pumps, and all other electronic items. Please note that these
estimates differ from estimates for other structure types (e.g., offices, schools, movie
theaters), in that climate control equipment is included.
Furniture
This estimate includes all residential furniture including beds, couches, recliners, dining
room tables, chairs, desks, coffee tables, end tables, and night stands. The volume for
each item was determined by multiplying the overall dimensions. All items are assumed
to still be fully assembled. Only minimum size reduction is assumed (e.g., folding tables
and chairs are folded).
Personal
Effects and
Other
Household
Items
This estimate includes all other materials found in a residence, including personal items,
food, toiletries, pots, pans, dishes, linens, clothes, plants, pictures, paper, and window
coverings.
2-73

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
3. STRUCTURAL BUILDING MATERIALS
This section discusses the methodology for estimating quantities of building structural
materials in the WME for all structure types except single-family residences.
As discussed in Section 2.9, the structural material estimates for single-family residences
are based on the Building Deconstruction and Assessment Tool33 and standard industry floor
plans and building materials lists. The estimates are based on homes ranging from 1,000 to 3,500
ft2 (basements excluded). We believe those estimates provide greater accuracy over estimates
that would be generated based on the Hazards U.S. - Multi-Hazard Loss Estimation Software
(HAZUS-MH) debris factors (discussed in detail below) for single family residences.
As discussed in Section 2, the WME allows users to generate first order estimates of the
quantities of interior and non-structural items and materials for several types of building
structures. The estimates are generated based on factors that were developed for various items
and categories of materials.
The methodology for estimating the mass and volume of building structural materials is
based almost entirely on data developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) for use in the FEMA-developed HAZUS-MH program for estimating potential losses
from natural disasters34. Unless otherwise noted or referenced in this section, all data used in the
development of this methodology were taken either from the HAZUS-MH databases or from the
HAZUS-MH technical and user manuals available from the HAZUS website33. During the
development of this methodology, it was necessary to supplement the HAZUS-MH data to
enable its use in the tool. The supplemental data consisted primarily of data obtained by ERG
during the initial development of the structure-specific WMEs. Additional secondary data
sources were identified and utilized in this methodology where it was necessary to fill remaining
data gaps.
The HAZUS-MH program contains the ability for users of the program to estimate the
quantity of building debris that could result from a natural disaster. The program utilizes a set of
debris factors to estimate the amount of debris based on the degree of damage to a structure. One
set of debris factors included in the program's methodology is based on 100% building damage,
which essentially equates to complete demolition of the structure. The debris factors vary
according to the type of building construction (not the occupancy/structure type or intended use)
and are grouped into structural and non-structural categories. Furthermore, the factors are in
terms of mass per area of building floor space.
33	The Building Deconstruction and Assessment Tool (Decon 2.0) was developed by the National Defense Center
for Environmental Excellence. The tool is designed to provide estimates of the quantity and value of material
that may be salvaged from deconstructing a building to determine if deconstruction is a viable alternative to
demolition.
34	Federal Emergency Management Agency, HAZUS-MH Multi-Hazard Loss Estimation Software, Version 1.3
(September 2007) and Version 1.4 (August 2009). http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/ and
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/hz manuals.shtm. The website and URL are not valid as of July 31,
2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the source of the
information or data currently used in the WME
3-1

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
For the development of the methodology outlined in the sections below, the general
approach was as follows:
1.	Match the structure types in the tool to the occupancy types used by HAZUS-MH.
See Section 3.2.
2.	Using averaged HAZUS-MH data for a selected number of States, determine the
percentage of each HAZUS-MH occupancy type comprised of various types of
construction. See Section 3.3.
3.	Convert the HAZUS-MH debris factors from a construction type basis to an
occupancy type/structure type basis and develop additional factors for debris
volumes. See Section 3.4.
4.	Develop additional correlations between the tool's structure input parameters and
structure square footage based on data collected during initial development of the
WMEs and additional research as needed. See Section 3.5.
3.1 HAZUS-MH Building Types
FEMA's HAZUS-MH loss estimation program allows users to generate estimates of
building structural and non-structural debris that may result from an earthquake, hurricane, or
flood. The program utilizes aggregated total square footage data for general building stock based
on occupancy, or Specific Occupancy Classes (SOC) in conjunction with various factors to
calculate direct and indirect losses from the three event types previously mentioned. The
aggregated square footage data are based on U.S. Census data for each Census tract in the
geographic region being studied. The HAZUS-MH debris estimation methodology utilizes
structural and non-structural debris factors, in tons of debris per 1,000 square feet of structure,
which vary depending on the type of construction of the structure, which is referred to as the
Model Building Type, or MBT. The debris factors also vary according to the degree of damage
to the structure as a result of the natural hazard being modeled.
The building structural material estimates in the WME utilize the HAZUS-MH debris
factors only for structural components. The structural components include one or more of brick,
wood, concrete, steel, and other components, and the primary building structural materials can be
generally correlated to the MBT. HAZUS-MH also contains factors for non-structural materials,
but those factors are not utilized in the tool. Examples of the non-structural building components
that are not included are listed below. The HAZUS-MH structural debris factors facilitated the
estimation of debris for all possible building materials except for those items and materials listed
in Table 3-1, below. Some of the items listed in Table 3-1 are already accounted for by the
WME, notably major mechanical and electrical components, and of course building contents. We
believe that the non-structural items currently not estimated by the WME or by the methodology
presented in this section (i.e., the architectural components listed in Table 3-1 and certain
mechanical/electrical items) do not represent a significant percentage of all non-structural
materials. However, we may want to assess the non-structural debris factors in the future to
assess how closely they align with similar debris materials that are already included in the tool.
3-2

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-1. List of Typical Nonstructural Components and Contents of Buildings
Type of Nonstructural Component
Horn
Architectural
Non-bearing Walls/Partitions
Cantilever Elements and Parapets
Exterior Wall Panels
Veneer and Finishes
Penthouses
Racks and Cabinets
Access Floors
Appendages and Ornaments
Mechanical and Electrical
General Mechanical (boilers, etc.)
Manufacturing and Process Machinery
Piping Systems
Storage Tanks and Spheres
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
(chillers, ductwork, etc.)
Elevators
Trussed Towers
General Electrical (switchgear, ducts, etc.)
Lighting Fixtures
Contents
File Cabinets, Bookcases, etc.
Office Equipment and Furnishings
Computer/Communication Equipment
Non-permanent Manufacturing Equipment
Manufacturing/Storage Inventory
Art and other Valuable Objects
General building stock in HAZUS-MH is classified in two different ways: 1) according to
MBT (type of construction) and 2) according to SOC (type of building occupancy or building
use); that is, each building is characterized by both MBT and SOC. The MBTs and SOC utilized
in HAZUS-MH are found in Table 3-2 and Table 3-3, respectively. Descriptions of each MBT
can be found in Appendix B.
Table 3-2. HAZUS-MH Specific Occupancy Classes (SOCs) for General Building Stock
Speci lie
Occupiincv
Class (SOC)
SOC Description
(icneral Occupancy
Class (GOC)
Description
lvxam pie Descri ptions
RES1
Single Family Dwelling
Residential
House
RES2
Mobile Home
Mobile Home
RES3
Multi-Family Dwelling
Apartment/ Condominium
RES4
Temporary Lodging
Hotel/Motel
3-3

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-2. HAZUS-MH Specific Occupancy Classes (SOCs) for General Building Stock
Speci lie
Occupancy
Class (SOC)
SOC Description
Cieneral Occupancy
Class (GOC)
Description
lvxam pie Deseri plions
RES5
Institutional Dormitory

Group Housing (military,
college), Jails
RES6
Nursing Home

COM1
Retail Trade
Commercial
Store
COM2
Wholesale Trade
Warehouse
COM3
Personal and Repair Services
Service Station/Shop
COM4
Professional/Technical Services
Offices
COM5
Banks

COM6
Hospital

COM7
Medical Office/Clinic

COM8
Entertainment & Recreation
Restaurants/Bars
COM9
Theaters
Theaters
COM 10
Parking
Garages
IND1
Heavy
Industrial
Factory
IND2
Light
Factory
IND3
Food/Drugs/Chemicals
Factory
IND4
Metals/Minerals Processing
Factory
IND5
High Technology
Factory
IND6
Construction
Office
AGR1
Agriculture
Agriculture

REL1
Church/Non-Profit
Religion/Non-Profit

GOV1
General Services
Government
Office
GOV2
Emergency Response
Police/Fire Station/Emergency
Operations Centers (EOC)
EDU1
Grade Schools
Education

EDU2
Colleges/Universities
Does not include group
housing
Table 3-3. HAZUS-MH Model Building Types (MBTs) for General Building Stock
Model
Building
Tvpe
(MBT)
MHT Description
Height
Kit
IN n me
n gc
Stories
Tv pi
Stories
cill
Feet
W1
Wood, Light Frame (< 5,000 sq. ft.)

1-2
1
14
W2
Wood, Commercial, and Industrial (> 5,000 sq. ft.)

All
2
24
S1L
Steel Moment Frame
LR
1-3
2
24
SIM
Steel Moment Frame
MR
4-7
5
60
S1H
Steel Moment Frame
HR
8+
13
156
S2L
Steel Braced Frame
LR
1-3
2
24
3-4

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-3. HAZUS-MH Model Building Types (MBTs) for General Building Stock
Model
Buildin"
Tvpe
(MUT)
MB1 Description
Hei
Rnn«e
glit
Typical
INiime
Stories
Stories
Feet
S2M
Steel Braced Frame
MR
4-7
5
60
S2H
Steel Braced Frame
HR
8+
13
156
S3
Steel Light Frame

All
1
15
S4L
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place Concrete Shear Walls
LR
1-3
2
24
S4M
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place Concrete Shear Walls
MR
4-7
5
60
S4H
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place Concrete Shear Walls
HR
8+
13
156
S5L
Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls
LR
1-3
2
24
S5M
Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls
MR
4-7
5
60
S5H
Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls
HR
8+
13
156
C1L
Concrete Moment Frame
LR
1-3
2
20
C1M
Concrete Moment Frame
MR
4-7
5
50
C1H
Concrete Moment Frame
HR
8+
12
120
C2L
Concrete Shear Walls
LR
1-3
2
20
C2M
Concrete Shear Walls
MR
4-7
5
50
C2H
Concrete Shear Walls
HR
8+
12
120
C3L
Concrete Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill
Walls
LR
1-3
2
20
C3M
Concrete Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill
Walls
MR
4-7
5
50
C3H
Concrete Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill
Walls
HR
8+
12
120
PCI
Precast Concrete Tilt-Up Walls

All
1
15
PC2L
Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls
LR
1-3
2
20
PC2M
Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls
MR
4-7
5
50
PC2H
Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls
HR
8+
12
120
RM1L
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Wood or
Metal Deck Diaphragms
LR
1-3
2
20
RM1M
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Wood or
Metal Deck Diaphragms
MR
4+
5
50
RM2L
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast
Concrete Diaphragms
LR
1-3
2
20
RM2M
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast
Concrete Diaphragms
MR
4-7
5
50
RM2H
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast
Concrete Diaphragms
HR
8+
12
120
URML
Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Walls
LR
1-2
1
15
URMM
Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Walls
MR
3+
3
35
MH
Mobile Homes

All
1
10
LR- Low rise.
3-5

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
MR-Mid rise.
HR-High rise.
Buildings categorized in one SOC may be of one or more MBTs. For instance, a single
family dwelling (RES1) will likely be light frame wood construction (Wl), but some residences
may be constructed differently. Construction types vary according to geographic regions so that
the distribution of MBTs for each SOC varies not only within a specific city, county, or State,
but also nationwide.
3.2 HAZUS-MH Debris Factors
The HAZUS-MH debris factors are listed in Table 3-4. These debris factors include both
structural and non-structural debris for 100% damage to the building. As mentioned in Section
3.0, the debris factors are in terms of tons of debris per 1,000 ft2 of building and are based on the
MBT.
Table 3-4. HAZUS-MH Default Building Debris Factors
mbt
Brick, Wood, mill
Oilier
Si ruclu till
(Ions/1,000 It2)
Brick, Wood, and
Other
INon-structu nil
(tons/1,000 It2)
Reinlorcetl Concrete
and Steel
Structural
(tons/1,000 It2)
Rein forced (oncrete
and Steel
iNon-structural
(tons/1,000 ft2)
Wl
6.5
12.1
15.0
0.0
W2
4.0
8.1
15.0
1.0
S1L
0.0
5.3
44.0
5.0
SIM
0.0
5.3
44.0
5.0
S1H
0.0
5.3
44.0
5.0
S2L
0.0
5.3
44.0
5.0
S2M
0.0
5.3
44.0
5.0
S2H
0.0
5.3
44.0
5.0
S3
0.0
0.0
67.0
1.5
S4L
0.0
5.3
65.0
4.0
S4M
0.0
5.3
65.0
4.0
S4H
0.0
5.3
65.0
4.0
S5L
20.0
5.3
45.0
4.0
S5M
20.0
5.3
45.0
4.0
S5H
20.0
5.3
45.0
4.0
C1L
0.0
5.3
98.0
4.0
C1M
0.0
5.3
98.0
4.0
C1H
0.0
5.3
98.0
4.0
C2L
0.0
5.3
112.0
4.0
C2M
0.0
5.3
112.0
4.0
C2H
0.0
5.3
112.0
4.0
C3L
20.0
5.3
90.0
4.0
C3M
20.0
5.3
90.0
4.0
3-6

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-4. HAZUS-MH Default Building Debris Factors

Brick, Wood, mill
Brick, Wood, ;nul
Rein forced ('oncrete
Rein forced ('oncrete

Ot hoi-
Other
;iiul Steel
iiiul Steel

St ruclu rnl
INon-st ructu vn\
Structu nil
iNon-structum!
mbt
(tons/1,000 It2)
(tons/1,000 IV)
(tons/1,000 It2)
(tons/1,000 ft2)
C3H
20.0
5.3
90.0
4.0
PCI
5.5
5.3
40.0
1.5
PC2L
0.0
5.3
100.0
4.0
PC2M
0.0
5.3
100.0
4.0
PC2H
0.0
5.3
100.0
4.0
RM1L
17.5
5.3
28.0
4.0
RM1M
17.5
5.3
28.0
4.0
RM2L
17.5
5.3
78.0
4.0
RM2M
24.5
5.3
78.0
4.0
RM2H
24.5
5.3
78.0
4.0
URML
35.0
10.5
41.0
4.0
URMM
35.0
10.5
41.0
4.0
MH
10.0
18.0
22.0
0.0
Since the debris factors are based on MBT and not on SOC, the distribution of MBT for
each SOC had to be determined. Mapping schemes are utilized in HAZUS-MH to specify the
distribution of MBTs for each SOC. The mapping schemes are State-specific and account for
regional building practices and the vintage of construction. The default mapping schemes for
selected states contained in the HAZUS-MH databases (see Appendix A) were utilized in the
WME to calculate a representative national distribution of MBTs for each SOC. Because the
WME currently contains a subset of the types of buildings contained in HAZUS-MH (based on
SOC), the mapping of SOC to MBT needed only to utilize those SOCs for which a similar
structure type currently exists in the WME.
The WME structure types that could be matched to the HAZUS-MH SOCs are shown in
Table 3-5, below.
Table 3-5. WME Structure Types Matched to HAZUS-MH Specific
Occupancy Class (SOC)
W MIC Structure Type
IIAZUS-MII SOC
Residence - Single-Family Home
RES1
Hotels
RES4
Shopping Mall
COM1
Office - Individual Walled
Office - Cubicle
COM4
Hospitals
COM6
Movie Theater
COM9
3-7

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
School - Elementary
EDU1
School - Middle

School - High

3.3 Mapping Specific Occupancy Class (SOC") to Model Building Type (MBT)
The default mapping schemes were generated from the HAZUS-MH databases for nine
states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and
Texas. The distribution of MBTs for each SOC was then averaged across all nine states to
generate a single mapping scheme of SOCs to MBTs. As an example, the mapping scheme for
the COM4 SOC is shown in Table 3-6. This table shows the distribution of MBTs for the COM4
SOC based on total building square footage and is an average for all nine states listed above. For
any single state, the total square footage is based on aggregated building data and represents the
total square footage comprised of COM4 building types.
Table 3-6. Average Distribution of Model Building Type (MBT) Floor Area within the
COM4 Specific Occupancy Class (SOC)
MBT
MBT Description
Fraction of COM4
SOC Moor Area
W1
Wood, Light Frame (< 5,000 sq. ft.)
0.00
W2
Wood, Commercial, and Industrial (> 5,000 sq. ft.)
0.31
S1L
Steel Moment Frame - Low Rise
0.04
SIM
Steel Moment Frame - Mid Rise
0.00
S1H
Steel Moment Frame - High Rise
0.00
S2L
Steel Braced Frame - Low Rise
0.04
S2M
Steel Braced Frame - Mid Rise
0.00
S2H
Steel Braced Frame - High Rise
0.00
S3
Steel Light Frame
0.07
S4L
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place Concrete Shear Walls - Low Rise
0.04
S4M
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place Concrete Shear Walls - Mid Rise
0.00
S4H
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place Concrete Shear Walls - High Rise
0.00
S5L
Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls - Low Rise
0.06
S5M
Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls - Mid Rise
0.00
S5H
Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls - High Rise
0.00
C1L
Concrete Moment Frame - Low Rise
0.02
C1M
Concrete Moment Frame - Mid Rise
0.00
C1H
Concrete Moment Frame - High Rise
0.00
C2L
Concrete Shear Walls - Low Rise
0.07
C2M
Concrete Shear Walls - Mid Rise
0.00
C2H
Concrete Shear Walls - High Rise
0.00
C3L
Concrete Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls - Low Rise
0.00
C3M
Concrete Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls - Mid Rise
0.00
C3H
Concrete Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls - High Rise
0.00
PCI
Precast Concrete Tilt-Up Walls
0.05
3-8

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-6. Average Distribution of Model Building Type (MBT) Floor Area within the
COM4 Specific Occupancy Class (SOC)
MBT
MBT Description
Maction of COM4
SOC Moor Area
PC2L
Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls - Low Rise
0.01
PC2M
Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls - Mid Rise
0.00
PC2H
Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls - High Rise
0.00
RM1L
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Wood or Metal Deck
Diaphragms - Low Rise
0.06
RM1M
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Wood or Metal Deck
Diaphragms - Mid Rise
0.00
RM2L
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast Concrete Diaphragms
- Low Rise
0.01
RM2M
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast Concrete Diaphragms
- Mid Rise
0.00
RM2H
Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast Concrete Diaphragms
- High Rise
0.00
URML
Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Walls - Low Rise
0.22
URMM
Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Walls - Mid Rise
0.00
MH
Mobile Homes
0.00
Utilizing the mapping scheme above, the percentage of total COM4 floor area (for all
COM4 buildings) comprised of each MBT (Table 3-7) was determined.
Table 3-7. Default Distribution of Model Building Types (MBTs)
for COM4 Specific Occupancy Class (SOC)
MBT
Percentage of COM4 Moor Area
W2
31%
S1L
4%
S2L
4%
S3
7%
S4L
4%
S5L
6%
C1L
2%
C2L
7%
PCI
5%
PC2L
1%
RM1L
6%
RM2L
1%
URML
22%
3-9

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
3.4 Utilizing HAZUS-MH Debris Factors
To convert the debris factors from tons per ft2 of MBT to tons per ft2 of SOC, we
assumed 1 ft2 per SOC building and multiplied the fraction of MBT by the default debris factor
for that MBT. This procedure was followed for each of the two structural debris types to
generate a set of debris factors that are then based on 1 ft2 of the building and based on SOC. The
factors were then summed to generate a total debris factor for each debris type. The Hazus
structural materials debris types are "Brick, Wood, and Other Materials" and "Reinforced
Concrete and Steel."
DF.^CMBTf.XDF^,)	(Eq. 3_1}
where:
DFi	= Debris factor for debris type i, mass or volume
MBTfi = Fraction of SOC comprised of MBT type i
DFmbtm = Debris factor for MBT type i
The result of this calculation is shown in Table 3-8 below, for the COM4 SOC and in
Table 3-9 for all WME structure types. As mentioned in Section 3, the "debris" factors used by
HAZUS-MH equate to "structural materials" for the purposes of the WME, as the HAZUS-MH
debris factors utilized by the methodology presented here are those for 100% building damage.
Additionally, the values and factors developed for this methodology and presented throughout
the remainder of this section retain a relatively large number of significant figures. The
significant figures were retained as these values are utilized in intermediate calculations. The
final structural debris estimates generated using these intermediate factors and values (and
presented in the WME) have an appropriately smaller number of significant figures retained,
consistent with the number of figures shown by the WME for the non-structural/interior
estimates.
Table 3-8. MBT Debris Factors (Mass) for COM4 SOC
MBT
Brick, Wood, ;iiul Other
StriKiui iil (lons/lt2)
Reinforced Concrete mid Steel
Slructuml (toiis/lt2)
W2
0.0012229
0.0045857
S1L
0
0.0018612
S2L
0
0.0017952
S3
0
0.0045225
S4L
0
0.0002309
S5L
0.0011040
0.0024840
C1L
0
0.0019425
C2L
0
0.0080992
PCI
0.0002986
0.0021717
PC2L
0
0.0008571
RM1L
0.0011039
0.0017662
3-10

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-8. MBT Debris Factors (Mass) for COM4 SOC
MBT
Brick, Wood, mid Other
Strucluriil (lons/lt2)
Reinforced Concrete ;ind Steel
Strucluriil (tons/It2)
RM2L
0.0002233
0.0009951
URML
0.0076708
0.0089857
TOTAL
0.011623
0.040297
Table 3-9. Calculated Building Structural Materials Factors (Mass) Based on Specific
Occupancy Class (SOC)
WMK Structure Type
II A/IS-Mil
SOC
Strucluriil Mill
Brick, Wood, mid
Other
erinl Knctor (tons/ft2)
Reinforced Concrete nnd
Steel
Residence - Single-Family
Home
RES1
0.010633
0.019144
Hotels
RES4
0.014672
0.033150
Shopping Mall
COM1
0.011100
0.041721
Office - Individual Walled
COM4
0.011623
0.040297
Office - Cubicle
COM4
0.011623
0.040297
Hospitals
COM6
0.009114
0.055697
Movie Theater
COM9
0.008530
0.053459
School - Elementary
EDU1
0.014930
0.046378
School - Middle
EDU1
0.014930
0.046378
School - High
EDU1
0.014930
0.046378
Where a single HAZUS-MH SOC applies to multiple WME structure types, we assumed
that the single structural material factor for the corresponding SOC applied to all similar WME
structure types.
To determine the volume for structural materials based on the mass factors calculated
above, we assumed the structural densities found in Table 3-10, and we further assumed the
distribution of structural materials found in Table 3-11. Using the densities and assumed
volumetric distribution of materials, the volumetric debris factors were then calculated in cubic
feet (ft3) per ft2 of MBT as shown in Table 3-12 for the COM4 SOC. The debris factors for each
MBT within each SOC were then summed to arrive at a total volumetric debris factor for the
entire SOC.
Table 3-10. Assumed Structural Material Densities
Structuml Mnleriiil
lb/It*
Brick
128
Wood
40
3-11

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-10. Assumed Structural Material Densities
Struct uml Miiteri.il
lb/It3
Other (Glass is assumed)
162
Concrete
144
Steel
489
Source: Perry's Chemical Engineers Handbook, 7th Ed, Table 2-118.
Table 3-11. Assumed Volumetric Distribution (Percentage of Total) of Structural
Materials by MBT
Min
MBT Description
Brick
Wood
(iliiss
Concrete
Steel
Wl
Wood, Light Frame (<5,000 sq.
ft.)
20
60
10
10
0
W2
Wood, Commercial and Industrial
(>5,000 sq. ft.)
20
60
10
10
0
SI
Steel Moment Frame
0
0
25
15
60
S2
Steel Braced Frame
0
0
25
15
60
S3
Steel Light Frame
0
0
25
15
60
S4
Steel Frame with Cast-in-Place
Concrete Shear Walls
0
0
20
40
40
S5
Steel Frame with Unreinforced
Masonry Infill Walls
40
0
20
0
40
CI
Concrete Moment Frame
0
0
20
65
15
C2
Concrete Shear Walls
0
0
20
65
15
C3
Concrete Frame with
Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls
40
0
20
30
10
PCI
Precast Concrete Tilt-Up Walls
0
0
20
65
15
PC2
Precast Concrete Frames with
Concrete Shear Walls
0
0
20
65
15
RM1
Reinforced Masonry Bearing
Walls with Wood or Metal Deck
Diaphragms
40
20
20
10
10
RM2
Reinforced Masonry Bearing
Walls with Precast Concrete
Diaphragms
50
0
20
20
10
URM
Unreinforced Masonry Bearing
Walls
55
5
20
10
10
MH
Mobile Homes
0
85
10
0
5
3-12

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
Table 3-12. MBT Debris Factors (Volume) for COM4 SOC

Brick, Wood, imd Other
Reinforced Concrete iind Steel
MBT
Siructui iil (IVVl't2)
Structural (IVVII2)
W2
0.033452
0.063690
S1L
0
0.008863
S2L
0
0.008549
S3
0
0.021536
S4L
0
0.001459
S5L
0.015847
0.010160
C1L
0
0.018616
C2L
0
0.077620
PCI
0.003687
0.020813
PC2L
0
0.008215
RM1L
0.019282
0.011161
RM2L
0.003242
0.007684
URML
0.117111
0.056782
TOTAL
0.192620
0.315147
Based on the procedure outlined above, the volumetric factors for each SOC were
calculated for each of the two materials categories. Table 3-13 shows the results of those
calculations for all WME structure types.
Table 3-13. Calculated Building Structural Materials Factors (Volume) Based on Specific
Occupancy Class (SOC)
WIVI10 Structure Type
IIA/IS-MII
SOC
Strucluml Material Factor (IVVl't2)
Brick, Wood, and
Other
Reinforced Concrete and
Steel
Residence - Single-Family
Home
RES1
0.229149
0.218714
Hotels
RES4
0.265218
0.294474
Shopping Mall
COM1
0.181330
0.313234
Office - Individual Walled
COM4
0.192620
0.315147
Office - Cubicle
Hospitals
COM6
0.141946
0.468278
Movie Theater
COM9
0.129606
0.383945
School - Elementary
EDU1
0.240285
0.34878
School - Middle
School - High
For building structural materials estimates, we are not proposing to further subdivide
each of the two main materials categories; that is, for "brick, wood, and other" materials, we will
not estimate the amount of the aggregated material that is comprised of brick, wood, and other
3-13

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Section 3—Structured Building Materials
materials. Estimating individual components would require some knowledge or ability to
reasonably estimate the fractional distribution of those individual material types according to the
type of building construction. Although we have assumed distributions of each material
component for the purposes of estimating a composite density for each of the two aggregated
materials categories, additional research would be needed to validate the distributions shown in
Table 3-11.
3.5 Additional Correlations Needed for Certain WME Structure Types
A complicating factor with the methodology outlined thus far is that the majority of the
input parameters for the WME structure types are not total building square footage. Only the
single-family residence structure type has square footage as the sole input parameter, while
offices and schools have square footage as an optional input parameter.
To utilize the debris factors based on the HAZUS-MH data and developed according to
the methodology outlined in previous sections, an additional correlation needed to be developed
between the building square footage and the WME input parameters. The required correlations
between current WME input parameters and structure square footage are shown in Table 3-14
below.
Table 3-14. WME Input Parameters Requiring Correlations to
Structure Square Footage
WME Structure Type
Input Pummel cr
Hospitals
Number of Beds
Hotels
Number of Standard Guest Rooms
Number of Suites
Number of Restaurant Seats
Shopping Malls
Gross Leasable Area (GLA)
Movie Theaters
Number of Screens
Number of Seats
Schools
Number of Students
Offices
Number of Occupants
3.6 Correlating WME Input Parameters to Structure Square Footage
3.6.1.1 Hospitals
During the early development of the WME, a single site visit was performed to develop
waste estimates and waste factors for hospitals. For the purposes of developing this
methodology, additional research was performed to identify a design correlation for the number
of hospital beds and total hospital square footage. A design correlation between number of beds
3-14

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
and hospital square footage that seemed suitable for our purposes was located on the University
of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Campus Planning website35.
SFhospitai = (Number of Beds)(2,100 ft2/bed)	(Eq. 3-2)
3.6.1.2 Hotels
Based on one of the two site visits by ERG, the data collected from two hotels was
utilized to calculate the necessary correlations between square footage and the four input
parameters for hotels. Based on the data obtained for each hotel, total square footage values were
determined for all guestrooms, suites, and restaurant space. These values are found in Table
3-15.
Table 3-15. Available Hotel Data





Total



l ot ill Room
Number of
Restaurant

Number of
Number of
Square
Restaurant
Square

Guest Rooms
Suites
Footage
Seats
Footage
Hotel
(rooms/hotel)
(rooms/hotel)
(ftVhotel)
(seats/hotel)
(ft2hotel)
A
123
0
93,441
48
2,998
B
322
8
163,592
548
101,614
For Hotel B, the total guest room square footage includes the floor area of the eight
suites. The Total Guest Room Square Footage was plotted against the sum of the number of
guest rooms and number of suites and a regression analysis was performed that resulted in the
following two regression equations:
SFhotei-guest rooms = (Number of Standard Guest Rooms)(528 ft2/room) (Eq. 3-3)
SFhotel-seats = (Number of Restaurant Seats)(184 ft2/seat)	(Eq. 3-4)
Since we did not have information on the square footage of all suites for Hotel B, the
number of suites was included in the total number of standard guest rooms in the regression
analysis, and we therefore assumed that Eq. 3-2 above can also be used to reasonably estimate
the square footage of the total of all suites.
SFhotel-suites = (Number of Suites)(528 ft2/suite)	(Eq. 3-5)
If multiple inputs for a hotel are entered, then the square footage estimates for each input
parameter are additive, resulting in a total estimated square footage value for the hotel.
35 http://campusplanning.ucsf.edu/pdf/MTZionPlan-Guidelines.pdf, Accessed July 2, 2009.
3-15

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Section 3—Structural Building Materials
3.6.1.3 Shopping Malls
ERG visited and inventoried a 969,000 ft2 GLA suburban shopping mall. Based on data
collected during the site visit and through information submitted by the mall owner, the square
footage of the mall that is comprised of non-leasable area was determined. Non-leasable spaces
included hallways, atria, management offices, and food court seating space. ERG estimated that
the non-leasable floor space accounted for approximately 8.6% of the GLA. Therefore, for
shopping malls, the GLA can be correlated to total mall square footage according to Equation
3-5:
^	Gross Leasable Area (GLA)	„
^shopping mall = 	0^2		(Eq. 3-6)
3.6.1.4 Movie Theaters
Correlations were developed for both number of seats to movie theater square footage
(Figure 3-1) and number of screens to theater square footage (Figure 3-2).
4,000
3,500
3,000
«•-
o
S-
0>
g 2,500
s
Z
2,000
y = 0.046x
R2 = 0.9288
1,500
45,000 50,000 55,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 75,000 80,000
Total Movie Theater Square Footage
Figure 3-1. Movie Theater Seats as a Function of Total Square Footage
A regression analysis results in the following equation:
Seats per Square Foot = (0.046) (Total Theater Square Footage) (Eq. 3-7)
3-16

-------
Section 3—Structural Building Materials
22
~
19	
Z
10	~	
y = 0.0002x
R2 = 0.8546
7 -I	1	1	1	1	1	1	
45,000 50,000 55,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 75,000 80,000
Total Movie Theater Square Footage
Figure 3-2. Movie Theater Screens as a Function of Total Square Footage
A regression analysis results in the following equation:
Screens per Square Foot = (2.0E-04)(Total Movie Theater Square Footage) (Eq. 3-8)
Building replacement cost models are used in HAZUS-MH36. These data are based on
industry-standard cost-estimation models published in RS Means Square Foot Costs (RS Means,
2002) and are based on typical square footages for each type of building found in HAZUS-MH.
Using the RS Means value of 12,000 ft2 for an average size movie theater with Equations 3-6 and
3-7, we calculated an average of 552 seats and two screens for a 12,000 ft2 theater. From those
results, we then developed the following equations:
SFmovie theater = (Number of Screens) (6,000 ft2/screen)	(Eq. 3-9)
SFmovie theater = (Number of Seats) (22 ft2/seat)	(Eq. 3-10)
3.6.1.5 Schools
ERG visited an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. Based on data
collected from these three schools, we developed factors for the square footage of each school
per student. We then developed correlation equations for the school square footage based on the
number of students.
SFeiementary school = (Number of Students) (150 ft2/student)	(Eq. 3-11)
36 See HAZUS-MH MR4 Earthquake Technical Manual, p. 3-18.
3-17

-------
Section 3—Structured Building Materials
SFmiddie school = (Number of Students) (194 ft2/student)	(Eq. 3-12)
SFhigh school = (Number of Students) (201 fit2/student)	(Eq. 3-13)
Table 3-16. Summary of Correlation Equations
WiVIK Structure
Type
Input Piiriimctcr/Slructurc Squnrc I'oolugc ( orrcliition
lu| u.itioii
Kquiition
IN u m her
Hospital
SFhospitai = (Number of Beds)(2,100)
3.2
Hotel
SFhotei-guest rooms = (Number of Standard Guest Rooms)(528)
3.3
SFhotei-seats = (Number of Restaurant Seats)(184)
3.4
SFhotei-suites = (Number of Suites)(528)
3.5
Shopping Mall
Gross Leasable Area (GLA)
shopping mall ~ 0.9142
3.6
Movie Theater
SFmovie theater = (Number of Screens)(6,000)
3.9
SFmovie theater = (Number of Seats)(22)
3.10
Schools
SFeiementaiy school = (Number of Students)(150)
3.11
SFmiddie school = (Number of Students)(194)
3.12
SFhigh school = (Number of Students)(201)
3.13
3-18

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
4. DEFAULT PARAMETERS AND PARAMETER VALUES
This section discusses the methodology for developing default structure input parameter
values for the WME. The WME allows users to calculate potential waste amounts for more than
one structure type at a time with minimal inputs. The calculations are based on pre-populated
default input parameter values that can be modified by the user. By using default parameter
values, users can generate waste estimates quickly by entering only the number of structures.
Default parameters can be viewed and modified by users if desired.
The methodology presented in this section for estimating the mass and volume of
building structural materials is based almost entirely on RS Means Square Foot Costs data used
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for use in the FEMA-developed
HAZUS-MH program for estimating potential losses from natural disasters37. Unless otherwise
noted or referenced in this section, all data used in the development of this methodology were
taken from the HAZUS-MH technical and user manuals and supplemented with data collected by
ERG during site visits conducted during the early development of the tool.
During the development of this methodology, it was necessary to supplement the
HAZUS-MH data to enable their use in the WME. The supplemental data consisted primarily of
data obtained by ERG during the initial development of the structure-specific WMEs and the
building structural materials estimation methodology. Additional secondary data sources were
identified and used in this methodology where it was necessary to fill remaining data gaps.
Table 4-2 summarizes the default parameter values for each WME structure type and
Table 4-3 summarizes the various correlations used or developed in conjunction with the
methodology outlined in this section.
4.1 Methodology
The majority of the default parameter values are based on building replacement cost
models used in FEMA's HAZUS-MH Multi-Hazard Loss Estimation Program38. The data are
based on industry-standard cost-estimation models published in RS Means Square Foot Costs
(RS Means, 2002) and are based on typical square footages for each type of building. Default
parameter values for those WME structures that have square footage as an input parameter utilize
the typical square footage data used in the RS Means valuation models and found in HAZUS-
MH. For structures that have input parameters in addition to or other than square footage,
additional equations and factors were developed to correlate the default RS Means (2002) square
footage to a particular input parameter. Additional research was conducted to determine a default
square footage value for single-family residences and shopping malls. The default RS Means
values for the remaining WME structure types can be found in Table 4-1.
37	Federal Emergency Management Agency, HAZUS-MH Multi-Hazard Loss Estimation Software, Version 1.3
(September 2007) and Version 1.4 (August 2009). http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/liazus/ and
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/hz manuals.shtm. The website and URL are not valid as of July 31,
2015. At the time this website was referenced, it was a valid URL and this reference remains the source of the
information or data currently used in the WME.
38	See HAZUS-MH MR4 Earthquake Technical Manual, p. 3-18.
4-1

-------
Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
Table 4-1. Selected HAZUS-MH Default Full Replacement Cost Models (RS Means, 2002)
IIA/IS-MII
soc
IIAZl'S-MII soc
Description
Su b-Categorv
RS Means Model
Description
RS Means
Model Number
RES4
Temporary Lodging
Hotel, medium
Hotel, 4-7 st., 135,000 SF
M.350
Hotel, large
Hotel, 8-24 st., 450,000
SF
M.360
Motel, small
Motel, 1 st., 8,000 SF
M.420
Motel, medium
Motel, 2-3 st., 49,000 SF
M.430
COM4
Professional/
Technical/Business
Services
Office, small
Office, 2-4 st., 20,000 SF
M.460
Office, medium
Office, 5-10 st., 80,000
SF
M.470
Office, large
Office, 11-20 st., 260,000
SF
M.480
COM6
Hospital
Hospital, medium
Hospital, 2-3 st., 55,000
SF
M.330
Hospital, large
Hospital, 4-8 st., 200,000
SF
M.340
COM9
Theaters
Movie Theater
Movie Theater, 12,000
SF
M.440
EDU1
Schools/Libraries
Elementary School
School, Elementary,
45,000 SF
M.560
Jr. High School
School, Jr. High, 110,000
SF
M.570
High School
School, High, 130,000 SF
M.580
Source: HAZUS-MH MR4 Earthquake Technical Manual, Table 3.6.
Some of the structure types in the WME have input parameters that do not include the
square footage of the structure, including hospitals, hotels, and movie theaters. To utilize the RS
Means/HAZUS default square footage values for those three structure types, correlations were
needed between the input parameter and the structure square footage. For hospitals and movie
theaters, these correlations were developed during the development of the methodology to
estimate building structural materials. The detailed development of these correlations is
discussed in Sections 3.5 and 3.6. For hotels, data obtained from site visits conducted during the
initial development of the WME were used to develop additional factors needed to correlate the
default RS Means square footage to the structure input parameter.
The remaining structure types (offices, schools, single-family residences, and shopping
malls) include square footage as an input parameter. However, offices and schools also allow
users to specify the number of occupants and number of students, respectively. RS Means default
square footage values were available for offices and schools, but additional correlations were
needed to develop default values for number of occupants and number of students based on the
structure square footage. As with hotels, data obtained from site visits conducted during the
4-2

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
initial development of the WME were used to develop additional factors needed to correlate the
default RS Means square footage to the structure input parameter.
For single-family residences, a single RS Means default square footage value was not
readily available and additional research was conducted to determine a default value. Additional
research was also conducted for shopping malls, as the input parameter is gross leasable area
(GLA) and not the total mall square footage. Information obtained during a site visit to a
shopping mall was not used as it represents only a single data point and was insufficient for the
purposes of developing a reasonable default value for GLA.
Details and additional descriptions of the default parameters developed for each WME
structure type are discussed below.
4.2	Hospitals
Estimates are based on the number of beds in the hospital. Research was performed to
identify a design correlation for the number of hospital beds and total hospital square footage. A
design correlation of 2,100 ft2/bed (4.76E-04 beds/ft2) was located on the UCSF Campus
Planning website39. Using the design correlation and the default RS Means average square
footage values for a medium and large hospital, the following default numbers of beds can be
calculated:
Hospital, Medium
Default Beds = Default SF x 4.76E-04 (beds/ft2) =
55,000 x 4.76E-04 = 26 beds	(Eq. 4-1)
Hospital, Large
Default Beds = Default SF x 4.76E-04 (beds/ft2) =
200,000x 4.76E-04 = 95 beds	(Eq. 4-2)
4.3	Hotels
The current WME factors for hotels were generated based on site visits to two hotels,
information from and discussions with Marriott International management personnel, partial
hotel inventories, and weights and dimensions of items from the American Hotel Register
catalog. At each site visited, an inventory was conducted to account for all furniture, electronic
equipment, fixtures, and other items. Only one guest room of each room type (e.g., studio suite,
one-bedroom suite) was inventoried, because all rooms of each type are identical. The quantity
of duct work, ventilation systems, drywall, and other building materials was estimated by
reviewing the structure's floor plans.
Based on the site visit to the hotel with 322 standard guestrooms, a factor was developed
to estimate the number of standard guest rooms per square foot of the hotel (1.00E-03 guest
rooms/ft2). Additional factors based on the total number of standard guestrooms were developed
to estimate the number of suites (2.48E-02 suites/guest room), square feet of conference space
39 http://campusplanning.ucsf.edu/pdf/MTZionPlan-Guidelines.pdf, Accessed July 2, 2009.
4-3

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
(101 ft2/guest room), and number of restaurant seats (1.70 seats/guest room). Using the RS
Means model square footage for a medium and large hotel and a medium motel (representing a
"small" hotel), the standard guest rooms per square foot factor was applied to each hotel size and
default numbers of standard guest rooms were developed. Based on the number of standard guest
rooms, the additional factors for number of suites, square feet of conference space, and number
of restaurant seats were then applied to generate default values for those three parameters.
Hotel, Small
Default Number of Guest Rooms = Default SF x 1.00E-03 (guest rooms/ft2)
= 49,000 x 1.00E-03 = 49 guest rooms
Default Number of Suites = Default Number of Guest Rooms
x 2.48E-02 (suites/guest room) = 49 x 2.48E-02 = 1 suite
Default Square Footage of Conference Space = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 101 (ft2
conference space/guest room) = 49 x 101 = 4961 ft2
Default Number of Restaurant Seats = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 1.70 (seats/guest
room) = 49 x 1.70 = 84 seats
Hotel, Medium
Default Number of Guest Rooms = Default SF x 1.00E-03 (guest rooms/ft2)
= 135,000 x 1.00E-03 = 135 guestrooms
Default Number of Suites = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 2.48E-02 (suites/guest room)
= 135 x 2.48E-02 = 3 suites
Default Square Footage of Conference Space = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 101 (ft2
conference space/guestroom) = 135 x 101 = 13.668 ft2
Default Number of Restaurant Seats = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 1.70 (seats/guest
room) = 135 x 1.70 = 230 seats
Hotel, Large
Default Number of Guest Rooms = Default SF x 1.00E-03 (guest rooms/ft2)
= 450,000 x 1.00E-03 = 451 guestrooms
Default Number of Suites = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 2.48E-02 (suites/guest room)
= 451 x 2.48E-02 = 11 suites
Default Square Footage of Conference Space = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 101 (ft2
conference space/guest room) = 451 x 101 = 45.561 ft2
4-4

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
Default Number of Restaurant Seats = Default Number of Guest Rooms x 1.70 (seats/guest
room) = 451 x 1.70 = 768 seats
4.4	Movie Theaters
Similar to hotels, offices, and schools, existing site visit information was used to develop
factors for the number of seats per square foot of movie theater. Two input parameters are
available for movie theaters (number of seats and number of screens). As discussed in Section 3,
based on existing data collected for the WME, factors were developed for the number of seats
per theater square foot and number of screens per square foot for three movie theaters. These
factors were plotted against the movie theater square footage and a regression equation was
developed for the number of seats per square foot and screens per square foot as a function of
total square footage. The RS Means model square footage for a theater was then used with the
equations to develop a default number of seats and a default number of screens (see Structural
Materials memo).
Movie Theater
Default Seats = Default SF x 0.046 (seats/ft2) =
12,000 x 0.046 = 552 seats
Default Screens = Default SF x 2.0E-04 (screens/ft2) =
12,000 x 2.0E-04 = 2 screens
4.5	Offices
A similar approach was used to develop default parameter values for offices. Factors
were developed to estimate the number of occupants per square foot for the individual walled
offices and cubicle office portions of a surveyed commercial office building. The R.S. Means
model square footage for a small, medium, and large office building were each multiplied by the
fraction of the surveyed building square footage consisting of individual walled offices and
cubicle offices to determine the default square footage values for the individual walled and
cubicle portions of a small, medium, and large office buildings. Each of those default square
footage values were then multiplied by the number of occupants per square foot for the
respective office configuration to determine the default number of occupants for individual
walled office spaces and cubicle office spaces.
Office, Small
Individual Walled:
Default Occupants = Default SF x Average Occupancy Density (occupants/ft2)
= 5,000 x 1.59E-03 = 8 occupants
Cubicles:
Default Occupants = Default SF x Average Occupancy Density (occupants/ft2)
= 15,000 x 1.90E-03 = 29 occupants
4-5

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
Office, Medium
Individual Walled:
Default Occupants = Default SF x Average Occupancy Density (occupants/ft2)
= 20,000 x 1.59E-03 = 32 occupants
Cubicles:
Default Occupants = Default SF x Average Occupancy Density
(occupants/ft2)
= 60,000 x 1.90E-03 = 115 occupants
Office, Large
Individual Walled:
Default Occupants = Default SF x Average Occupancy Density (occupants/ft2)
= 65,000 x 1.59E-03 = 104 occupants
Cubicles:
Default Occupants = Default SF x Average Occupancy Density (occupants/ft2)
= 195,000 x 1.90E-03 = 372 occupants
4.6 Schools
Similar to hotels and offices, existing site visit information was used to develop factors
for the number of students per square foot of school. These factors were developed for
elementary, middle, and high schools and are 6.68E-03, 5.16E-03, and 4.97E-03 students/ft2,
respectively. Using the RS Means model square footage for an elementary, middle, and high
school, the number of students per square foot factors were applied to each school type and
default numbers of students were developed.
School, Elementary
Default Students = Default SF x Student Density (students/ft2)
= 45,000 x 6.68E-03 = 301 students
School, Middle
Default Students = Default SF x Student Density (students/ft2)
= 110,000 x 5.16E-03 = 567 students
School, High
Default Students = Default SF x Student Density (students/ft2)
= 130,000 x 4.97E-03 = 646 students
4-6

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
4.7	Single-Family Residences
The default parameter value for single-family residences utilizes a representative value
for the square footage of the residence. Data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau40 for the
average square footage of single-family residences sold in the United States in 2007 was used as
the basis for the default parameter. In 2007, the average single-family home sold in the U.S. was
2,479 ft2. Therefore, a default parameter value of 2.500 ft2 is used.
4.8	Shopping Malls
Estimates are based on the gross leasable area (GLA) of the shopping mall rather than
total square footage. GLA is the most common metric in the industry and includes all areas that
may be leased to tenants. GLA does not include mall management offices, janitorial storage,
loading docks, hallways, kiosks, public restrooms, food court seating, and other areas not
associated with a specific store. The estimates assume 100% occupancy of the GLA.
Because different types of stores (e.g., furniture, apparel, and electronics) will carry
different merchandise, the tool currently allows the user to model the breakdown of stores by
GLA. Default percentages for shopping malls are included based on U.S. shopping mall averages
provided by the ICSC. The percentages are based on GLA, not the total number of stores in one
category versus another. The percent of the total GLA associated with each store type may be
modified by the user to properly model the affected structure.
The GLA of the mall is used as the default parameter value for shopping malls in addition
to the default percentages that model representative store types that are already available in the
WME. Square footage data for the fourteen largest enclosed shopping malls in the U.S.41
indicates an average GLA of 2,516,529 ft2. Based on these data and best engineering judgment,
default parameter values of 250.000 ft2. 500.000 ft2, and 1.000.000 ft2 for shopping malls were
determined to be likely to be representative of small, medium, and large malls, respectively.
Table 4-2. Summary of WME Default Parameters and Values
Structure Type
Default Parameter
Default Parameter Value
Hospital
Number of beds
Medium
Large
26
95
Hotel
Number of standard guest rooms
Number of suite guest rooms
Square feet of conference rooms
Number of restaurant seats
Small
Medium
Large
49 rooms
1 suite
4,961 ft2
84 seats
135 rooms
3 suites
13,668 ft2
230 seats
451 rooms
11 suites
45,561ft2
768 seats
Office
Individual Walled:
Small
Medium
Large
40	http://www.census.gov/const/C25Ann/soldmedavgsf.pdf.
41	Largest Shopping Malls in the United States. American Studies at East Connecticut State University, Shopping
Mall and Shopping Center Studies. http://www.easternct.edu/depts/amerst/MallsLarge.htm.
4-7

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Section 4—Default Parameters and Parameter Values
Table 4-2. Summary of WME Default Parameters and Values
Structure Type
Delimit Piiriimeter
Delimit Piiriimeter Yiiluc

Total square footage
Number of occupants
5,000 ft2
8 occupants
20,000 ft2
32
occupants
65,000 ft2
104
occupants
Cubicles:
Total square footage
Number of occupants
Small
Medium
Large
15,000 ft2
29
occupants
60,000 ft2
115
occupants
195,000 ft2
372
occupants
Single-Family Residence
Average square footage of
affected residences
2,500 ft2
Elementary School
Total square footage
Number of students
45,000 ft2
301 students
Middle School
Total square footage
Number of students
110,000 ft2
567 students
High School
Total square footage
Number of students
130,000 ft2
646 students
Shopping Mall
Gross leasable area (GLA)
Small
Medium
Large
250,000 ft2
500,000 ft2
1,000,000 ft2
Movie Theater
Number of seats
552 seats
2 screens
Table 4-3. Summary of WME Correlations Between Structure Square Footage
and Input Parameter(s)
Structure Type
Knctor/Kq Uiition
Hospital
4.76E-04 beds/ft2
Hotel
1.00E-03 guestrooms/ft2
2.48E-02 suites/guest room
101 ft2/guest room
1.70 seats/guest room
Office
Individual Walled: 1.59E-03 occupants/ft2
Cubicles: 1.90E-03 occupants/ft2
Elementary School
6.68E-03 students/ft2
Middle School
5.16E-03 students/ft2
High School
4.97E-03 students/ft2
Movie Theater
0.046 seats/ft2
2.00E-04 screens/ft2
4-8

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Section 5—Open Space
5. OPEN SPACE
The WME includes functionality for users to estimate the amount of waste that may
result from decontamination and/or remediation activities. Open space is any area that is not
otherwise occupied by one or more buildings or vehicles. Examples of open spaces include
parking lots, sidewalks, parks, greenways, roadways, and plazas. For the purposes of the WME,
bodies of water (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.) can be included as open space, but waste estimates
resulting from removal or remediation of these features are currently not available in the WME.
Additionally, the WME does not currently estimate vehicles or vehicle counts that might be
present in or on parking lots or roadways. Because of the wide variety of items and materials that
can be found in large open space areas across the U.S., the open space estimation feature of the
WME provides only mass and volume estimates of soil, vegetation, asphalt, and concrete.
5.1 Methodology
The amount of waste estimated for each of the four waste categories above is dependent
entirely upon the size of the affected area, the percentage of the affected area that is open space,
and the quantity (or depth) of materials removed from the ground surface as a result of
decontamination and/or remediation activities. Users can model an entire area based on a single
set of characteristics or model specific parcels to reflect significant differences within an affected
area of open space.
Inputs required to generate an open space estimate are:
•	The total affected area, in square miles;
•	The percentage of the total affected area that is comprised of open space;
•	The percentage of open space that is comprised of soil, vegetation, asphalt, and
concrete;
•	The depth of removal for each surface material.
Soil includes any area covered by grass, vegetation, or other landscaping and that is not
covered by asphalt, concrete, or another improved surface type. The percentage of vegetation in
an affected area can, and will, overlap with the percentage of soil. For example, a city park with
an area of one square mile may consist of 70% soil, 5% water, 15% asphalt, and 10% concrete.
The same square mile may contain various types of vegetation (trees, shrubs, etc.) that make up
approximately 60% of the total park area, or 0.6 square miles.
Depending upon the nature of the incident, different decontamination and/or remediation
strategies may be employed to decontaminate soils, asphalt, and concrete surfaces. Some of those
strategies may include removing only the uppermost layers of the surface, deeper excavation, or
complete removal. For soil, asphalt, and concrete, users can enter an estimate of how much of the
material will be removed from the surface. For decontamination of some materials, this may
involve removing only an inch or two from the surface. Soils may require deeper excavation
(e.g., 15 inches) to remove contamination, and to completely remove asphalt from a parking lot,
for example, several inches of asphalt may be involved.
5-1

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Section 5—Open Space
5.2 Waste Category Estimates
To generate waste estimates for open spaces, the tool performs a series of multiplication
calculations on each input parameter value. Volumetric waste estimates for asphalt, concrete, and
soil are generated according to the following equation:
Ewc-i = (TAA)(OSP/100)(PMi/100)(4,014,489,600)(DMi)(2.14E-05) (Eq. 5-1)
where:
Ewc-i
TAA
OSP
PMi
DMi
4,014,489,600
2.14E-05 =
Estimate of waste for waste category / , yd3
Total affected area, square miles (mi2)
Percent of total affected area that is open space
Percent of open space that is comprised of material i
Depth of material i that is removed, inches
= Conversion factor for mi2 to in2
Conversion factor for cubic inches (in3) to yd3
The soil, asphalt, and concrete densities used by the WME to generate mass-based waste
estimates for those materials are listed in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1. Summary of Open Space Material Densities
M.ii
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Section 5—Open Space
16,117 = Volumetric vegetation debris factor, yd3/acre42
To obtain mass-based waste estimates for vegetation, the volumetric waste result is
multiplied by 4.43
42	FEMA 325, p.60. 1 acre of debris at 3.33 yards high equals 16,117 yd3
43	FEMA 325; p.60. For mixed debris, 4 yd3 equals 1 ton.
5-3
-------
Appendix A
Calculated Representative Mapping Scheme - Model Building Types (MBTs)
to Specific Occupancy Classes (SOCs) for WME Structure Types
A-l
-------
Appendix A
Table A-l. Calculated Representative Mapping Scheme — Fraction of Model Building
Types (MBTs) That Comprise Each Specific Occupancy Class (SOC) for WME Structure
Types44
MI1T45
COM!
COM4
COM 6
COM9
KIM 11
RKSl
Ki;S4
W1
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.07
0.85
0.50
W2
0.25
0.31
0.09
0.03
0.08
0.00
0.00
S1L
0.08
0.04
0.06
0.13
0.09
0.00
0.02
SIM
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S1H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S2L
0.05
0.04
0.05
0.11
0.11
0.00
0.01
S2M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S2H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S3
0.07
0.07
0.02
0.10
0.00
0.00
0.01
S4L
0.03
0.04
0.03
0.05
0.02
0.00
0.01
S4M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S4H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S5L
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.09
0.03
0.00
0.01
S5M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
S5H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C1L
0.02
0.02
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.00
0.03
C1M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C1H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C2L
0.06
0.07
0.15
0.10
0.09
0.00
0.05
C2M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C2H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C3L
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.00
0.00
C3M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
C3H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
PCI
0.07
0.05
0.20
0.13
0.02
0.00
0.01
PC2L
0.01
0.01
0.04
0.03
0.01
0.00
0.01
PC2M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
PC2H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
RM1L
0.06
0.06
0.07
0.06
0.11
0.00
0.06
RM1M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
RM2L
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.00
0.02
RM2M
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
RM2H
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
URML
0.20
0.22
0.14
0.13
0.32
0.15
0.28
URMM
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
MH
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
44	See Table 3-13 for the correlation of WME structure types to HAZUS-MH SOCs.
45	Model Building Type definitions and descriptions are provided in Appendix B. The sum of fractions for each
SOC equals 1. None of the seven SOCs is composed of all 35 MBTs.
A-l
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Model Building Type (MBT) Descriptions
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Appendix B
The following MBT descriptions were taken directly from the HAZUS-MH MR4
Earthquake Model Technical Manual, pages 5-8 to 5-12.
B.l Wood, Light Frame (Wl)
These are typically single-family or small, multiple-family dwellings of not more than
5,000 square feet of floor area. The essential structural feature of these buildings is repetitive
framing by wood rafters or joists on wood stud walls. Loads are light and spans are small. These
buildings may have relatively heavy masonry chimneys and may be partially or fully covered
with masonry veneer. Most of these buildings, especially the single-family residences, are not
engineered but constructed in accordance with "conventional construction" provisions of
building codes. Hence, they usually have the components of a lateral-force-resisting system even
though it may be incomplete. Lateral loads are transferred by diaphragms to shear walls. The
diaphragms are roof panels and floors that may be sheathed with sawn lumber, plywood, or
fiberboard sheathing. Shear walls are sheathed with boards, stucco, plaster, plywood, gypsum
board, particle board, or fiberboard, or interior partition walls sheathed with plaster or gypsum
board.
B.2 Wood, Greater than 5,000 Sq. Ft. (W2)
These buildings are typically commercial or industrial buildings, or multi-family
residential buildings with a floor area greater than 5,000 square feet. These buildings include
structural systems framed by beams or major horizontally spanning members over columns.
These horizontal members may be glue-laminated (glu-lam) wood, solidsawn wood beams, or
wood trusses, or steel beams or trusses. Lateral loads usually are resisted by wood diaphragms
and exterior walls sheathed with plywood, stucco, plaster, or other paneling. The walls may have
diagonal rod bracing. Large openings for stores and garages often require post-and-beam
framing. Lateral load resistance on those lines may be achieved with steel rigid frames (moment
frames) or diagonal bracing.
B.3 Steel Moment Frame (SI)
These buildings have a frame of steel columns and beams. In some cases, the beam
column connections have very small moment resisting capacity but, in other cases, some of the
beams and columns are fully developed as moment frames to resist lateral forces. Usually the
structure is concealed on the outside by exterior nonstructural walls, which can be of almost any
material (curtain walls, brick masonry, or precast concrete panels), and on the inside by ceilings
and column furring. Diaphragms transfer lateral loads to moment-resisting frames. The
diaphragms can be almost any material. The frames develop their stiffness by full or partial
moment connections. The frames can be located almost anywhere in the building. Usually the
columns have their strong directions oriented so that some columns act primarily in one direction
while the others act in the other direction. Steel moment frame buildings are typically more
flexible than shear wall buildings. This low stiffness can result in large interstory drifts that may
lead to relatively greater nonstructural damage.
B-l
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Appendix B
B.4 Steel Braced Frame (S2)
These buildings are similar to steel moment frame buildings except that the vertical
components of the lateral-force-resisting system are braced frames rather than moment frames.
B.5 Steel Light Frame (S3)
These buildings are pre-engineered and prefabricated with transverse rigid frames. The
roof and walls consist of lightweight panels, usually corrugated metal. The frames are designed
for maximum efficiency, often with tapered beam and column sections built up of light steel
plates. The frames are built in segments and assembled in the field with bolted joints. Lateral
loads in the transverse direction are resisted by the rigid frames with loads distributed to them by
diaphragm elements, typically rod-braced steel roof framing bays. Tension rod bracing typically
resists loads in the longitudinal direction.
B.6 Steel Frame with Cast-In-Place Concrete Shear Walls (S4)
The shear walls in these buildings are cast-in-place concrete and may be bearing walls.
The steel frame is designed for vertical loads only. Diaphragms of almost any material transfer
lateral loads to the shear walls. The steel frame may provide a secondary lateralforce- resisting
system depending on the stiffness of the frame and the moment capacity of the beam-column
connections. In modern "dual" systems, the steel moment frames are designed to work together
with the concrete shear walls.
B.7 Steel Frame with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls (S5)
This is one of the older types of buildings. The infill walls usually are offset from the
exterior frame members, wrap around them, and present a smooth masonry exterior with no
indication of the frame. Solidly infilled masonry panels, when they fully engage the surrounding
frame members (i.e. lie in the same plane), may provide stiffness and lateral load resistance to
the structure.
B.8 Reinforced Concrete Moment Resisting Frames (CI)
These buildings are similar to steel moment frame buildings except that the frames are
reinforced concrete. There are a large variety of frame systems. Some older concrete frames may
be proportioned and detailed such that brittle failure of the frame members can occur in
earthquakes leading to partial or full collapse of the buildings. Modern frames in zones of high
seismicity are proportioned and detailed for ductile behavior and are likely to undergo large
deformations during an earthquake without brittle failure of frame members and collapse.
B.9 Concrete Shear Walls (C2)
The vertical components of the lateral-force-resisting system in these buildings are
concrete shear walls that are usually bearing walls. In older buildings, the walls often are quite
extensive and the wall stresses are low but reinforcing is light. In newer buildings, the shear
walls often are limited in extent, generating concerns about boundary members and overturning
forces.
B-2
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Appendix B
B.10 Concrete Frame Buildings with Unreinforced Masonry Infill Walls (C3)
These buildings are similar to steel frame buildings with unreinforced masonry infill
walls except that the frame is of reinforced concrete. In these buildings, the shear strength of the
columns, after cracking of the infill, may limit the semi-ductile behavior of the system.
B.ll Precast Concrete Tilt-Up Walls (PCI)
These buildings have a wood or metal deck roof diaphragm, which often is very large,
that distributes lateral forces to precast concrete shear walls. The walls are thin but relatively
heavy while the roofs are relatively light. Older or non-seismic-code buildings often have
inadequate connections for anchorage of the walls to the roof for out-of-plane forces, and the
panel connections often are brittle. Tilt-up buildings usually are one or two stories in height.
Walls can have numerous openings for doors and windows of such size that the wall looks more
like a frame than a shear wall.
B.12 Precast Concrete Frames with Concrete Shear Walls (PC2)
These buildings contain floor and roof diaphragms typically composed of precast
concrete elements with or without cast-in-place concrete topping slabs. Precast concrete girders
and columns support the diaphragms. The girders often bear on column corbels. Closure strips
between precast floor elements and beam-column joints usually are castin- place concrete.
Welded steel inserts often are used to interconnect precast elements. Precast or cast-in-place
concrete shear walls resist lateral loads. For buildings with precast frames and concrete shear
walls to perform well, the details used to connect the structural elements must have sufficient
strength and displacement capacity; however; in some cases, the connection details between the
precast elements have negligible ductility.
B.13 Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Wood or Metal Deck Diaphragms (RM1)
These buildings have perimeter bearing walls of reinforced brick or concrete-block
masonry. These walls are the vertical elements in the lateral-force-resisting system. The floors
and roofs are framed with wood joists and beams either with plywood or braced sheathing, the
latter either straight or diagonally sheathed, or with steel beams with metal deck with or without
concrete fill. Interior wood posts or steel columns support wood floor framing; steel columns
support steel beams.
B.14 Reinforced Masonry Bearing Walls with Precast Concrete Diaphragms (RM2)
These buildings have bearing walls similar to those of reinforced masonry bearing wall
structures with wood or metal deck diaphragms, but the roof and floors are composed of precast
concrete elements such as planks or tee-beams and the precast roof and floor elements are
supported on interior beams and columns of steel or concrete (cast-in-place or precast). The
precast horizontal elements often have a cast-in-place topping.
B.15 Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Walls (URM)
These buildings include structural elements that vary depending on the building's age
and, to a lesser extent, its geographic location. In buildings built before 1900, the majority of
B-3
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Appendix B
floor and roof construction consists of wood sheathing supported by wood framing. In large
multistory buildings, the floors are cast-in-place concrete supported by the unreinforced masonry
walls and/or steel or concrete interior framing. In unreinforced masonry constructed after 1950
(outside California) wood floors usually have plywood rather than board sheathing. In regions of
lower seismicity, buildings of this type constructed more recently can include floor and roof
framing that consists of metal deck and concrete fill supported by steel framing elements. The
perimeter walls, and possibly some interior walls, are unreinforced masonry. The walls may or
may not be anchored to the diaphragms. Ties between the walls and diaphragms are more
common for the bearing walls than for walls that are parallel to the floor framing. Roof ties
usually are less common and more erratically spaced than those at the floor levels. Interior
partitions that interconnect the floors and roof can reduce diaphragm displacements.
B.16 Mobile Homes (MH)
These are prefabricated housing units that are trucked to the site and then placed on
isolated piers, jack stands, or masonry block foundations (usually without any positive
anchorage). Floors and roofs of mobile homes usually are constructed with plywood and outside
surfaces are covered with sheet metal.
B-4
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WME Numerical Results Display, Rounding, and Significant Figures
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Appendix C
C.l General Significant Figure (SigFig) Function Information
A legacy function originally developed for EPA wastewater regulation development was
modified for use in the WME. Some adjustments were made to force very large numbers in
scientific notation. The SigFig routine applies standard mathematical rules to values to return a
specified number of significant figures appropriate for the analysis.
C.2 Steps for Significant Figure Formatting
This function is passed the number to be formatted and the number of significant figures
requested and returns a formatted number with the appropriate number of significant figures.
Example: SigFigIt(1412.34, 3) returns 1,410
•	If the input value is not numeric, the function returns an error (exits function).
•	If the input value is less than 1 but greater than 0, the function formats the number
in scientific notation, if applicable.
Example: myNumber = FormatNumber((myNumber *1000)/1000, 20)
•	If the input value is in scientific notation, the numeric portion to the left of E is
sent through sig fig routine, E etc. is added back on, and the number is returned
(exits function).
Example: 5.92700000000001E+15 becomes 5.93E+15
•	If the input value is not in scientific notation, the function checks to see if it is very
large (>999999999). If so, the function formats the number in scientific notation and
returns (exit function).
•	If the input value is not very large (not > 999999999), the function captures the digits
on the left of the decimal place, and the digits on the right of the decimal place (if
any). The function notes the location of the decimal place and removes.
•	If the total number of digits in the input value is less than the number of significant
digits requested, the function returns the number as is (exits function).
•	If the total number of digits to the left of the decimal place of the input value is
greater than the number of significant figures requested, the function adds zeros
after the last required significant figure.
Example: 1412.34 (to 3 significant figures) returns 1,410.
•	Otherwise, if the total number of digits (including those to the right of the decimal
place) of the input value is greater than the number of significant digits requested,
the function rounds the last significant figure up using the next digit only.
Example: 1.2345 (to 3 significant figures) returns 1.23 (rather than 1.24).
C-l
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Agency
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POSTAGE & FEES PAID
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