A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Assessing the Sustainability of an Innovative Pin-Connected Structural System

Abstract

Structural design plays a very important role in reducing environmental impacts by reusing resources, recycling materials, and minimizing waste and pollution in the construction sector. Sustainable design becomes more effective than traditional solutions in achieving the transition to sustainability. The decision-making process is not simple due to the different preferences of clients, architects, and engineers. This paper aims to develop a decision framework for assessing sustainability in the early structural design stage. Multi-criteria decision-aiding (MCDA) methods have been implemented to improve the selection of regulations. A technical ranking approach, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method, has been employed to identify the optimal solution. Three alternatives including an innovative and two traditional structural systems have been selected and compared in terms of three criteria—economic, social, and environmental impacts. Nine sub-criteria for ranking the importance level of sustainable design have been determined through a literature review and professional experts. FAHP methods show that the economic impact (58%) is the most important criterion for assessing the sustainability of structural systems, followed by the environment with 31%. The social aspect contributes 11% to this method, and it is ranked as the least important criterion. This research revealed that MCDA methods can be used as a guideline for engineers to improve the selection in the process of sustainable design. The decision model proposed in this study has been verified and, therefore, can be applied for similar projects.