Multi-criteria evaluation framework in selection of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) method

Abstract

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) is bridge construction that uses innovative planning, design and construction methods in a safe and cost-effective manner, which reduces construction mobility and environmental impacts, and contributes to city sustainable planning and development. To deal with the pressing need to support the decisions associated with the selection between the ABC and conventional bridge construction, this paper presents the development of a multi-criteria evaluation framework. Methods are developed and identified to estimate the construction, agency, and user costs associated with the construction methods. A novel model was developed to allow the estimation of the construction and agency costs of ABC relative to conventional construction. This paper also demonstrates the estimation of user costs, including those associated with mobility, reliability, safety, and emissions, utilizing combinations of the proposed prediction method. The paper then compares the use of the return-on-investment and Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) evaluation approaches in the decision to select between ABC and conventional bridge construction. The results from the employment of the two approaches to a case study demonstrate the advantage of using the TOPSIS approach, which is also applicable in the urban planning process.