A robust FAHP–VIKOR hybrid framework for bridge deck construction system selection

Abstract

Several factors must be considered when choosing a bridge deck construction system, including geographical location, site conditions, span length, and available resources. The goal of this study is to optimize the selection decisions of bridge construction systems during the preliminary design stage. The suggested framework combines the integration of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) techniques, a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) method. The Model allows decision-makers to select an appropriate construction system using a robust framework, employing FAHP to prioritize the criteria and VIKOR to rank the alternatives. Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were employed to gather data from a focus group of bridge engineers. When the proposed model was applied to two existing bridge construction projects in Egypt, it revealed that “Precast post-tension girder” and “Balanced cantilever precast” were more appropriate for cases one and two, respectively. This study adds to the body of knowledge by offering a hybrid framework that enables decision-makers to manage the intricacy of choosing the most convenient bridge-construction system.