Comments on the article “Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) selection using fuzzy multicriteria decision making methods” by Yazdani-Chamzini, A., Haji Yakhchali, S. [Tunneling and Underground Space Technology 30 (2012) 194–204

Abstract

I have read the paper entitled ‘‘Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) selection using fuzzy multicriteria decision making methods’’, Tunneling and Underground Space Technology 30 (2012) 194–204, with interest and would like to congratulate the authors for providing valuable research on TBM selection using Fuzzy MADM techniques. In the published paper, the authors developed a decision making model and employed the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS) to obtain the weight of the evaluation attributes and rank the alternatives, respectively. The problem is really important but is difficult to solve because of a need to handle lots of criteria simultaneously in the decision making process. In the rest of this contribution, I would like to discuss some of the difficulties associated with this type of analysis and request comments and additional information from the authors. In the paper, the background of the research and an introduc