Application of Fuzzy-ISM-MICMAC in the Risk Analysis Affecting Swivel Bridge Construction Spanning Existing Railway Lines: A Case Study

Abstract

Swivel bridge construction (SBC) technology has significant advantages in building bridges that span existing railway lines (ERLs), but it also entails complex risks from ‘skylight’ windows and railway boundaries. A notable challenge is the relationships and interdependencies among these risks, which collectively increase safety hazards through mutual influence. Prior research has typically focused on mitigating the risks inherent in particular tasks or operations, with less emphasis on the risks from interdependencies. A novel framework was developed to explore this research gap by integrating fuzzy logic, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) approach (Fuzzy-ISM-MICMAC) to investigate the relationships and interdependencies among the risks of SBC spanning ERLs and the critical points of risk control. Furthermore, the data collected from a literature review, a case analysis and expert interviews resulted in 28 risk factors. Then, the application of ISM distilled complex risk relationships into a clear, multilevel hierarchy, accurately illustrating the complex interrelationships among risk factors. Combined with MICMAC analysis, the research findings indicate that preliminary works such as the selection of construction technology, scheme design, construction rehearsal and the provision of safety facilities are essential for preventing risks in SBC spanning ERLs. We applied these findings to the double T-structure swivel construction of the Xiaojizhuang Bridge, where its practicality and efficiency were thoroughly tested and validated. This research’s critical contribution is identifying, clarifying and visualizing the interrelationships of the complex risk factors of SBC spanning ERLs and providing specific solutions for safety management in similar bridge construction projects. The research results and risk control recommendations offer valuable insights for managing other swivel bridge construction risks.