MULTI-OBJECTIVE DECISION-MAKING TO SELECT MULTIPLE PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS FOR MULTI-PROJECT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

This paper focuses on providing a methodology to optimize the selection of multiple project delivery methods for multi-project transportation systems under uncertainty. In contrast to previous studies, this paper considers that owners sometimes divide transportation projects into sub-projects that are constrained by construction sequence. The owners’ objectives are to minimize the total project cost and duration for the whole multi-project undertaking by selecting the most appropriate project delivery method for each sub-project. The complexity of this problem is the motivation for the development of a multi-objective decision making model that can help owners evaluate and choose the appropriate project delivery method for each sub-project. The model considers three fundamental project delivery methods, i.e., design–bid–build, design–build, and construction manager-as-general contractor. The project cost and duration of each sub-project when selecting different project delivery methods are estimated by experts employed and/or retained by the owner, and regarded as fuzzy variables. Furthermore, a fuzzy simulation-based multiple objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is developed to find feasible Pareto solutions. Results and analysis of a numerical example are presented to highlight the performance of the model.