Selection of softwood species for structural and non-structural timber construction by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the multiobjective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA)

Abstract

In this study, the hybrid approach of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) was used in order to select the most suitable softwood timber for construction. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), lodgepole pine (Pinus concorta), red pine (Pinus resinosa), redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), western larch (Larix occidentalis) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) were evaluated in terms of economic, physical, mechanical, thermal and durability properties. According to the results, the most suitable timbers for structural and non-structural applications were determined to be western larch and redwood, respectively.