Performance Evaluation of Pothole Repair Techniques using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method: A Case Study in Mumbai

Abstract

Mumbai, as the economic and commercial capital of India, faces significant challenges in maintaining its road infrastructure due to heavy traffic flow. With a steep increase in vehicular traffic, asphalt roads have been observed to deteriorate quickly, necessitating more efficient pothole repair techniques. This study presents a comparative analysis of existing pothole repair methods using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches such as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Both AHP and TOPSIS were employed to analyze the data, followed by a comparative evaluation to determine the most effective technique within the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework. The primary objective of this research is to explore the applications of MCDM techniques in identifying optimal repair solutions based on factors such as surface irregularities, material availability, traffic volume handling capacity, and cost-effectiveness. The analysis results indicates that the use of the Reactive Asphalt (R-Asp) technique offers rapid repair and results in smoother road surfaces. Among the evaluated methods, the Reactive Asphalt (R-Asp) repair technique achieved the highest AHP score of 0.348, indicating its superior performance, followed by Cold Mix with 0.265, while Rapid Hardening (RHC) and American Road patch (ARP) scored 0.190 and 0.198, respectively. The findings of this study contribute to enhancing urban infrastructure by providing a systematic approach for pothole repair, fulfilling citizens' expectations, and fostering collaborative efforts between local communities and government authorities. The novelty of this research lies in its integration of MCDM techniques for urban road maintenance, offering a data-driven and participatory approach to infrastructure management. The proposed system, identified as the most effective in this study, has the potential to be a valuable asset for both motorists and city officials in ensuring safer and more durable road conditions.