Title: Comparative analysis of fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods in maintenance prioritisation of infrastructure assets

Authors: Farham Shahrivar; Mojtaba Mahmoodian; Chun Qing Li

Addresses: School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia ' School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia ' School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract: The maintenance prioritisation of infrastructure assets is conventionally evaluated by calculating the risk an asset can pose to the owner organisation in terms of agreed criteria. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are utilised to prioritise asset maintenance. Using fuzzy theory, which is developed to deal with vagueness in human thinking, is believed to release more accurate criteria weights and consequently alternative performance values in a qualitative multi-criteria decision-making evaluation. This paper presents an empirical application and comparison of four compensatory MCDM methods including technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), complex proportional assessment (COPRAS), weighted sum model (WSM), and weighted product model (WPM) in a fuzzy environment to prioritise irrigation asset maintenance. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method is used, also in a fuzzy environment, to obtain the criteria weights. Seven evaluation criteria and six irrigation channels from different areas in Northern Victoria, Australia, are considered as the case study data. Results of the MCDM methods are analysed and their reliability, simplicity, and applicability with pros and cons are evaluated. Finally, the most straightforward and at the same time reliable method for similar practical applications is suggested.

Keywords: infrastructure maintenance prioritisation; multi-criteria decision-making; MCDM methods; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; weighted sum model; WSM; weighted product model; WPM; complex proportional assessment; COPRAS; TOPSIS; fuzzy theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2022.123422

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2022 Vol.18 No.2, pp.172 - 195

Received: 01 Jun 2020
Accepted: 31 Aug 2020
Published online: 20 Jun 2022 *

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