Multi-criteria Decision-making Approach for Selecting a Bridge Superstructure Construction Method

Abstract

Selection of an effective construction method of bridge superstructure is critical to the success of the bridge project. Multiple criteria and the relative importance among them are involved in the process of decision-making. These criteria and their relative importance lead to vague and complex situation in the selection process. In order to tackle this complex situation, a mathematical methodology is required. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a popular method that is used for solving Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problems. Every construction method of bridge superstructure has its own advantages and disadvantages. The challenge is to select the correct one for the prevailing circumstances. In this paper, the different methods of bridge construction are explained and are compared using their advantages, disadvantages and their suitability to different criteria and constraints associated with a bridge construction. The criteria weights and priorities are collected from experienced professionals of different point of view, i.e. Client, Designer and Contractor using questionnaire survey. Using this comparison, a decision support model is developed along with suitability ranking using AHP in order to simplify the process of selection of the appropriate method of bridge superstructure construction. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.