Assessing the Cost of Hospital Building Materials: Effects of Temperature-Precipitation-Flood Dynamics on Landuse and Landcover

Abstract

This study evaluates the economic implications of hospital building materials in relation to hydro-climatological changes and their impacts on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from 2010 to 2013. Our objectives were to analyze temperature, precipitation, and flood patterns, assess their effects on building material costs, and examine subsequent LULC changes through Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. Using MODIS satellite imagery and meteorological data, we found significant correlations between climatic variables and construction costs, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 38°C and monthly rainfall peaking at 611mm in 2011. Climate Impact Assessment revealed that extreme weather events, particularly flooding affecting 30,633 km² in 2013, substantially influenced building material durability and costs. Resource availability analysis showed that rangeland area decreased from 30,522 km² to 25,435 km², affecting local construction material sourcing. Water discharge data demonstrated seasonal variations correlating with flooding events, with peak discharge reaching 16,844 m³/s, directly impacting construction site accessibility and material transportation costs. The study found that flood-prone areas experienced up to 25% higher construction costs due to necessary flood-resistant materials and design modifications. These findings highlight the critical relationship between climatic factors, resource availability, and hospital construction costs, providing valuable insights for construction planners and healthcare facility managers to develop cost-effective and climate-resilient building strategies.