Effects of surrounding urban morphology and wind direction on hazardous gas dispersion from chemical plants: Morphological analysis and fluid dynamics insights into industry–urban interactions

This study investigates the influence of urban morphology and wind direction on the dispersion of hazardous gases from chemical plants located near residential areas, emphasizing the urgent need for effective safety and risk management as industrial sites expand. By addressing critical gaps in understanding how urban configurations and prevailing winds affect gas dispersion, this work provides essential insights for enhancing public safety. Through a statistical analysis of 121 chemical plants, we classify common residential configurations surrounding these facilities, with a notable prevalence of single-sided and double-sided arrangements. We develop three-dimensional geometric models and conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations to analyze the dispersion of heavy hazardous gases under varying wind conditions. Our findings reveal that urban morphology and wind direction significantly affect airflow, turbulence, and gas dispersion patterns, with high-density configurations leading to increased exposure risks and fatality rates, while lower-density, staggered arrangements facilitate smoother gas dispersion and reduce associated risks. The results emphasize the critical importance of considering building density, layout, and wind direction in urban planning to enhance safety in industrial-residential interfaces. Recommendations include reducing building density and optimizing street orientations to mitigate the impact of hazardous gas releases, thereby improving public safety in urban environments.