Application of the Fuzzy AHP in Selection of Most Appropriate Construction Method for Tuti - Bahri Bridge

Abstract

In presence of many kilometers of waterways and valleys in Khartoum State, bridges had become desperately needed for proper communication and development. There were many types of bridges in Sudan made of concrete and/or steel using various types of suspended, steel truss, arch and cable-stayed bridges which were constructed by different methods. The successes in bridge projects will be reached if the project achieved quality, cost saving and completed in optimum time schedule. Therefore, selecting appropriate bridge construction method is essential for the success of bridge construction projects. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method has been widely used for solving multi-criteria decision-making problems. The Authors applied Fuzzy AHP, similar to the process suggested by Nang in 2008, to select the most appropriate construction method to be adopted for the Cable-stayed Tuti-Bahri Bridge Project which the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transportation of Khartoum State intends to construct at Khartoum city-center. The results were successfully applied for selection of the most appropriate bridge superstructure construction method among two methods. The hierarchy of the alternatives is suggested based on opinion of two Sudanese experts through questionnaires to obtain the basic criteria. Weights, from group of evaluations, are analyzed using excel spread sheets developed by the Authors. Applying Nang’s approach revealed logical procedure for selection of construction method that best suits Tuti-Bahri Bridge.