Multi-Criteria Model for the Selection of Construction Materials: An Approach Based on Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

The process of construction and exploitation of a building passes through the preparation phase, the construction phase and the exploitation phase. Each of these phases involves the selection of criteria and decision making, with the aim of selecting the optimal construction materials for the building. The paper presents a new model for selecting construction materials that is based on fuzzy logic. In order to simulate the expert process of assessing the construction and exploitation of a building during which construction materials are selected, a modular fuzzy logic system was designed with a unique base of knowledge to assist in decision making on the priorities of the construction material. The model consists of four modules that are hierarchically organized on two levels. The size of the output from the model is the measure of a material’s priority. Each of the materials observed (straw, wood, brick and concrete-steel) is assigned a certain value for the criterion function, on the basis of which the user of the system chooses the material for construction. In addition to the structure of the model, the paper presents its testing. Testing was carried out on the case study of selecting materials for the construction of five residential buildings.