Analytical hierarchy process decision support system (AHP-DSS) for trenchless technology

Abstract

Among the increasing complexities and surface development, underground utilities installation, renewal and repair remain one of the most challenging projects worldwide. In addition, the crucial need for a minimal surface disruption is what even makes it more thought provoking for contractors/specialists to maintain. That is why, trenchless technology has been an economical choice for many contractors/specialists, especially in urban areas, to guarantee less restoration costs, social, and environmental impact and higher accuracy with less time compared to the open cut and cover method. This paper aims to introduce a framework, utilizing a fully automated Analytical Hierarchy Process engine, which supports the contractors in their selection for the most appropriate trenchless method, taking the project characteristics and site conditions into consideration. The framework features through four different modules as follows: (1) Input Module where the user enters the project attributes through the AHP-DSS user interface. (2) Central Database Module that contains the considered trenchless methods, project attributes limits & their weights and trenchless methods & their scores. (3) Analytical Hierarchical-based Engine that runs simultaneously with the central database module to provide the user with the most suitable construction method. (4) Trenchless Technology Method Module that shows the most suitable method that suits the pre-defined user inputs. Spreadsheet modelling has been used for developing the Analytical Hierarchal Process Decision-Support System (AHP-DSS). A case study composed of 20 projects with various characteristics and conditions has been used for validating and verifying the model. The results showed a percentage of error less than 10% compared to the actual executed results.