An integrated decision-making methodology for the design of concrete structures

This paper presents a methodology to analyze decisions in the design of concrete structures. Specifically, we propose a multi-criteria approach to assess the value implications of precast concrete technologies versus in-situ concrete solutions. First, we emphasize the importance of careful decision-making in early stages of construction projects to enhance customer value. Second, we present a decision-making methodology that uses fuzzy logic to represent and synthesize information about risk-retum tradeoffs in the different kinds of variables involved in the evaluation of a project's value. To illustrate, we use our methodology to analyze precast vs. in-situ solutions in the design of drainage structures. The results of our analysis point at precast solutions as the most desirable design choice in this setting, and highlight the importance of value analysis in early stages of construction projects.