Interval Analytic Hierarchy Process Research Articles

A stakeholder-driven holistic approach to mitigate drought in Ramsar wetlands: evaluation of nature-based solutions using interval analytic hierarchy process

Abstract Wetland ecosystems are vital in maintaining the ecological balance of the wider area. The increase of frequent and intense droughts due to accelerated climate changes poses a threat to wetlands as fragile ecosystems which further require a holistic approach and cooperation between stakeholders to define long-term sustainable solutions. This paper focuses on identifying nature-based solutions to mitigate drought in Ramsar-designated sites through understanding the preferences of stakeholders for effective implementation. An interval version of the analytic hierarchy process is proposed as a systematic framework for selecting solutions considering multiple objectives (climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and human welfare) and six alternatives applicable to Ramsar wetlands. The Serbian case study demonstrates the evaluation of alternatives using interval values in pairwise comparison matrices and priority weights were computed by linear programming. Top-ranked measures identified by three experts involve increasing water availability, supporting agroforestry practices, and utilizing natural reservoirs. Mulch and wastewater reuse are excluded due to additional implementation investments. The added value of the proposed approach is that the results can be used by managers and decision-makers in many ways; for example, weights of the alternatives could indicate resource allocation, while rankings serve as valuable indicators for optimizing the number of applied solutions.

Safety assessment of existing subgrade retaining wall based on a combined Weighting-TOPSIS evaluation method

The safety assessment of existing retaining walls is currently a potential research direction in developing built environment. However, current assessment results are generally carried out by a single evaluation method with poor applicability and operability. Thus, this paper proposed a comprehensive safety assessment model for existing subgrade retaining walls. The qualitative and quantitative indexes were summarized systematically and then were weighted by the entropy weight method (EWM), interval analytic hierarchy process (IAHP), and improved radial movement optimization (IRMO) algorithm. With these indexes weighted, the safety situation can be assessed by the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. The proposed method was applied to five cases. The results show that the method reduces the subjective arbitrariness in weighting calculation, making the evaluation more objective and reasonable. The model improves the accuracy and applicability of the safety assessment of existing retaining walls.

Parameter-Free Interval Priority Weight Estimation Methods Based on Minimum Conceivable Ranges Under a Crisp Pairwise Comparison Matrix

Methods for interval priority weight estimation from a crisp pairwise comparison matrix were proposed in the interval analytic hierarchy process assuming the vagueness of human evaluation. The interval priority weights estimated by the conventional method do not reflect the intrinsic vagueness in the given pairwise comparison matrix (PCM). This paper proposes parameter-free methods based on minimal conceivable ranges for estimating interval priority weights from a crisp pairwise comparison matrix. The estimated interval priority weight vectors are required to satisfy (1) the potential reproducibility, (2) the normality, and (3) the preservation of the perfect consistent data. Estimation methods of interval priority weights are proposed based on the minimum possible range. We show those proposed methods satisfy the required three properties. The estimation problem of interval priority weights potentially has multiple solutions with which the associated interval PCMs are identical to one another. To make the further investigation simpler, we use an interval priority weight vector among multiple solutions such that the sum of the center values of interval priority weights is one. We compare the estimation methods of interval priority weights from the viewpoint of estimation accuracy by numerical experiments. Namely, by generating crisp pairwise comparison matrices randomly under true interval PCMs, we evaluate the accuracies of the estimated interval priority weight vectors by comparing the true interval priority weight vectors.

Integration of the rural revitalization strategy in the construction of rural elderly services in the information age

Abstract Aiming at the uncertainty of decision-making factors and the difficulty of quantifying various subjective and objective weights in the process of rural pension service quality evaluation, this paper proposes a rural pension service quality evaluation method combining improved interval AHP and CRITIC method based on indicator correlation at the level of rural revitalization strategy. The method is based on 5 guidelines and 11 common factors, comprehensively considers the influence of subjective and objective weights on the design scheme, introduces the interval number and triangular fuzzy number, and establishes the evaluation index system of rural elderly service. By utilizing the improved interval AHP and CRITIC method, the subjective and objective weights of each evaluation index can be calculated. The analysis is done by combining examples to explore the ecological niche of the senior care industry, the rural suitability for elderly people, and their expectations and perceptions of the service. From the market ecological niche, it can be seen that the result of the senior care manufacturing industry measure is 0.85, which contributes the most to the rural economy in rural revitalization. The travel, ecological landscape, living services, and socio-economic environment in rural areas are improved under the rural revitalization strategy, and the weighted scores of the four are 0.5528, 1.1524, 1.299, and 0.6031, respectively. According to the comprehensive results, the rural revitalization strategy has resulted in a noticeable increase in the rural aged-care industry and services.

Interval fuzzy AHP method in risk assessment

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is one of the oldest and mostly used multi-criteria decision-making methods. In addition to the development of a large number of other methods, the AHP method is still widely applied. More and more often, this method is being modified by the application of various mathematical tools dealing with the consideration of uncertainty and indeterminacy. This paper presents an approach to the modification of the AHP method using triangular interval fuzzy numbers. In this approach, the confidence interval of the fuzzy number describing the comparison of criteria differs from one comparison to another. It depends on the opinion of the decision makers/experts, respectively, on their certainty in the comparison they make. The modification of the method is presented on the problem of selecting the course of navigation of vessels in flooded areas, based on the risk assessment of each predicted course.

Optimization the reliability of emergency safety barriers based on the subjective safety analysis and evidential reasoning theory. Case study

PurposeThis study aims to improve the reliability of emergency safety barriers by using the subjective safety analysis based on evidential reasoning theory in order to develop on a framework for optimizing the reliability of emergency safety barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe emergency event tree analysis is combined with an interval type-2 fuzzy-set and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. In order to the quantitative data is not available, this study based on interval type2 fuzzy set theory, trapezoidal fuzzy numbers describe the expert's imprecise uncertainty about the fuzzy failure probability of emergency safety barriers related to the liquefied petroleum gas storage prevent. Fuzzy fault tree analysis and fuzzy ordered weighted average aggregation are used to address uncertainties in emergency safety barrier reliability assessment. In addition, a critical analysis and some corrective actions are suggested to identify weak points in emergency safety barriers. Therefore, a framework decisions are proposed to optimize and improve safety barrier reliability. Decision-making in this framework uses evidential reasoning theory to identify corrective actions that can optimize reliability based on subjective safety analysis.FindingsA real case study of a liquefied petroleum gas storage in Algeria is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The results show that the proposed methodology provides the possibility to evaluate the values of the fuzzy failure probability of emergency safety barriers. In addition, the fuzzy failure probabilities using the fuzzy type-2 AHP method are the most reliable and accurate. As a result, the improved fault tree analysis can estimate uncertain expert opinion weights, identify and evaluate failure probability values for critical basic event. Therefore, suggestions for corrective measures to reduce the failure probability of the fire-fighting system are provided. The obtained results show that of the ten proposed corrective actions, the corrective action “use of periodic maintenance tests” prioritizes reliability, optimization and improvement of safety procedures.Research limitations/implicationsThis study helps to determine the safest and most reliable corrective measures to improve the reliability of safety barriers. In addition, it also helps to protect people inside and outside the company from all kinds of major industrial accidents. Among the limitations of this study is that the cost of corrective actions is not taken into account.Originality/valueOur contribution is to propose an integrated approach that uses interval type-2 fuzzy sets and AHP method and emergency event tree analysis to handle uncertainty in the failure probability assessment of emergency safety barriers. In addition, the integration of fault tree analysis and fuzzy ordered averaging aggregation helps to improve the reliability of the fire-fighting system and optimize the corrective actions that can improve the safety practices in liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks.

Trust-based consensus reaching process for product design decision-making with heterogeneous information

Pursuing a consensual result is vital for selecting optimum product design schemes as it helps eliminate preference conflicts in product design decision-making (PDDM). As a dynamic and iterative activity, the consensus reaching process (CRP) of PDDM always involves heterogeneous, vague, and inconsistent information, which makes it challenging to adjust decision-makers’ judgement to achieve an acceptable consensus level. To address this issue, triangular fuzzy numbers were introduced to depict decision-makers’ heterogeneous judgement. The indicator weights were determined by integrating the fixed weight obtained from the interval analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) and the variable weight acquired using the maximizing deviation method. Decision-makers’ weights were identified through a combination of the uncertainty degree measured by fuzzy entropy and the consistency degree solved by a distance minimizing model of the PDDM matrix. A dynamic CRP for PDDM was proposed by adjusting decision-makers’ judgement based on their trust relationships and updating the PDDM matrix in an evolutionary manner. A case study is conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Evaluation of Slope Stability within the Influence of Mining Based on Combined Weighting and Finite Cloud Model

Coal mining under slopes often leads to slope instability, resulting in substantial economic losses and human casualties. Therefore, constructing a scientific and practical slope stability evaluation model for slope disaster prevention and control is of great significance. In this study, seven evaluation indexes were selected, and their influence mechanisms were analyzed to establish a system of evaluation indexes for the stability of mining slopes in Xing County, Shanxi Province, China. A new evaluation model for the stability of mining slopes was established based on the interval analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) to determine the subjective weights of the indexes and the improved CRITIC method to determine the objective weights of the indexes, which circumvented the limitations of subjective or objective weights by combining the minimum discriminating information. The model was applied to the mining slopes in Xing County, Shanxi Province, and the results showed that slopes A, C, D and E were in an unstable state, slope B was in an understable state after mining. Finally, the accuracy of the evaluation results was verified through field surveys. The model has engineering application value in predicting the stability of mining slopes and can provide theoretical suggestions for later slope management to ensure the safe production of coal mines.

An Interval AHP Technique for Classroom Teaching Quality Evaluation

Classroom teaching evaluation is one of the most important ways to improve the teaching quality of mathematics education in higher education, and it is also a group decision making problems. Meanwhile, there is some uncertain information in the process of evaluation. In order to deal with this uncertainty in classroom teaching quality evaluation and obtain a reliable and accurate evaluation result, an interval analytic hierarchy process (I-AHP) is employed. To begin with, the modern evaluation tool named RTOP is adapted to make it more consistent with the characteristics of the discipline. In addition, the evaluation approach is built by using the I-AHP method, and some details of weights of the criteria and assessors are developed, respectively. Thirdly, a case study has been made to verify the feasibility of the assessment approach for classroom teaching quality evaluation on mathematics. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation of classroom quality under an interval number environment is conducted, and some results analyses and comparisons are also discussed to show that the proposed approach is sound and has a stronger ability to deal with uncertainty.

Nonlinear fusion method for multistage product design decision-making using plant growth simulation algorithm

Design decision-making is a vital activity for selecting an optimal scheme for product development. Owing to the uncertainty and ambiguity of design requirements and constraints, several product design phases are often deployed for concept refinement, which makes multistage product design decision-making (MPDDM) and the effective fusion of MPDDM data indispensable. However, few existing methods have considered the nonlinear relationships among the MPDDM information. Therefore, a nonlinear fusion method for MPDDM was proposed in this study. This method applies a three-parameter interval grey number to depict decision-makers’ judgement about product design schemes. Based on converting linguistic judgements into interval scales, an interval analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed to calculate the weights of the design criteria, decision-makers, and decision-making stages. Considering the advantage of integrating multiple matrices without requiring external control parameters, a multistage decision-making fusion process using a plant growth simulation algorithm (PGSA) was proposed to aggregate multistage decision-making data for product design. A case study was conducted to collect multistage decision-making data, and the PGSA was developed. Through comparison with the extant method, the effectiveness and feasibility of the fusion of MPDDM was verified. The results indicate that (1) uncertainty perceived by decision-makers at three stages accounted for 96.7%, 95%, and 97.2%, respectively. The “center of gravity” of a three-parameter interval grey number, which reflects the largest possibility of decision-makers’ preferences, is not always equally distant from its maximum or minimum value (73.9%). (2) The optimization model using interval AHP to calculate the weights of decision-making indicators and stages is conducive to reducing the decision-maker’s uncertainty. (3) The global search mechanism of the PGSA can effectively realize the nonlinear fusion of MPDDM.

Multi-sensor target allocation model based on NC-PSO

Traditional multi-sensor target allocation often has problems such as slow algorithm iteration and low solution quality. In response to this problem, this paper proposes the NC-PSO algorithm, so that the particles can jump out of the local optimum and increase the convergence speed. At the same time, on the basis of the improved algorithm, the constraint of the target threat degree is added, the interval analytic hierarchy process is used to estimate the target threat, and the allocation principle is optimized, so that the use of sensor resources is better and the allocation is more reasonable. The simulation results prove that NC-PSO can allocate targets to multiple sensors faster and better.

GIS-based MCDM framework combined with coupled multi-hazard assessment for site selection of post-earthquake emergency medical service facilities in Wenchuan, China

Emergency medical service plays a critical role in treating injuries after destructive earthquakes, and emergency medical evacuation is very time-sensitive. Emergency medical service facilities (EMSFs), which are located in affected areas, are effective in reducing the time for patient transfers and improving survival rates. In this paper, we present a comprehensive framework to guide site selection for post-earthquake EMSFs. The proposed method constructs a novel evaluation criteria system and applies interval AHP to determine criterion weights. Next, we use a coupled multi-hazard assessment method to estimate the coupled hazards of multiple earthquake-triggered disasters. Lastly, we adopt TOPSIS to evaluate the suitability of alternative locations for EMSF site selection and rank them in order of evaluation results. Using data from Wenchuan, China, we show that the selected EMSFs outperform those by existing approaches in facility capacity, coupled hazard, and medical evacuation performance, and the riskiest locations can be avoided through evaluation and sort. Our results suggest that improvements in survival rates and EMSF safety levels are possible over the status quo by the proposed framework.

Safety risk control in construction engineering based on the interval analytic hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution

AbstractTo improve the safety management level of construction projects, the housing construction project was taken as the research object and the hierarchical structure model by using the improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) was established. Based on the four dimensions of human, material, environment, management, the 12 influencing factor evaluation indexes and 34 scoring items were designed. By the redistribution of weight, the value range of scoring items was determined, and then the construction safety management evaluation system was constructed to evaluate the project safety management. When evaluating multiple projects, if the overall evaluation conclusion is poor, the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used to evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of the project by introducing reference interval [0.5,0.6]. By calculating the membership relationship between nearness degree and reference interval , the decision‐making method to improve the level of project safety management was given. The results show that, if ,need external interactive learning, if , internal communication and learning can be organized. If ,the project safety management level can be improved by the combination of external interactive learning and internal experience exchange.

Evaluation Index of CRTS III Prefabricated Slab Track Cracking Condition Based on Interval AHP

The cracking damage of the high-speed railway slab track seriously affects its durability and service life. The cracking condition index (CCI) for the China railway track system (CRTS) III prefabricated slab track and the corresponding calculation methods were proposed to realize the scientific management and guide the maintenance more reasonably. In order to ensure the objectivity and rationality of each parameter’s weight, first, the finite-element (FE) model of CRTS III prefabricated slab track with surface cracks was established to analyze the crack growth behavior, based on the fracture mechanics theory. The results show that the crack growth rate of transverse cracks at the same depth is greater than that of longitudinal cracks and significantly greater than that of through cracks. Then 437 valid questionnaires were obtained through expert consultation. Combining the subjective factors of expert evaluation with the objective factors of numerical simulation, the Delphi method and interval analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were used to establish the structural hierarchy, which could determine the weight of each parameter. After that, it was applied to an engineering example. The results show that the weights obtained by the comprehensive method combining the Delphi method and the interval AHP are more objective. Furthermore, the evaluation method was applied to the engineering example, obtaining the slab track CCI within [70.91, 72.83] points, which verified the rationality of the evaluation method. In short, the index evaluation method can quantitatively analyze the cracking severity of the track slab, which has important reference and practical value for line maintenance.

Developing a Subway Fire Risk Assessment Model Based on Analysis Theory

In order to effectively reduce the risk of subway fires and to improve the safety of passengers, a review of the background to subway fires employing literature and comparative analyses, computer simulation, expert consultation, and other research methods has been employed to conduct an in-depth study of subway fire risk assessment and control measures. A subway fire risk assessment model based on analysis theory was established. Firstly, a subway fire risk evaluation index system was developed, and the weight values of each level were determined using the interval analytic hierarchy process (IAHP), then the evaluation was derived using the fuzzy evaluation method, and the passenger distribution simulation was introduced to improve the objectivity of the evaluation. The results show that the fire evaluation of this subway system is safe. The results show that a subway fire risk assessment model may provide a scientific basis for establishing prevention and control measures, extinguishing methods, passenger safety evacuation schemes, and carrying out fire safety management activities during subway operations.

Reliability evaluation of high voltage direct current transmission protection system based on interval analytic hierarchy process and interval entropy method mixed weighting

As the core of the secondary part of the high voltage direct current transmission (hereinafter referred to as HVDC) transmission system, HVDC protection is the first line of defense for the safe and reliable operation of the HVDC transmission system. Its reliability directly determines the safety of the HVDC transmission equipment and the stable operation of the power grid. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability of the HVDC protection system. Based on the operating data of the converter station, this paper puts forward relevant evaluation indicators, and uses the mixed weighting method of interval analytic hierarchy process and interval entropy weight method to evaluate the converter station’s HVDC protection system and protection equipment. The evaluation results qualitatively and quantitatively judge the operating status of the equipment and verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the method. Using this method can scientifically and reasonably evaluate and analyze the operation of the HVDC protection system and various equipment, and judge the operation status of various equipment. This method can provide important guidance for the selection of new station equipment, the operation, maintenance, and overhaul of the HVDC transmission protection system of the converter station.

Multi-attribute decision making approach for green efficiency of water utilization in Taiyuan

The problem of water shortage and pollution exists in Taiyuan. Under the advocacy of the concept of green development, it is necessary to carry out the research on the green efficiency of water utilization (WUGE) from the three-dimensional perspective of “economy environment society”. In this study, the evaluation index system of WUGE was optimized, which consist of 17 attributes. Interval analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the weight of attributes, and multi-attribute decision making approach is used to evaluate the WUGE from 2009 to 2018. The evaluation results show that the comprehensive evaluation value of WUGE in 2018 is the highest.

A Research on the Combined Maintenance Strategy for Production Line Equipment Based on Mixed Failure Rate

In order to improve the reliability of the production line and reduce its maintenance costs, this paper establishes preventive maintenance (PM) models of the equipment, which are classified into different levels based on mixed failure rate. The differential and targeted maintaining strategies are formulated as well. First, a method for dividing important equipment and secondary equipment of a production line based on grey interval Analytic Hierarchy Process- (AHP-) Entropy method is proposed. Next, the dynamic service age regression factor and the dynamic failure rate increasing factor are combined to establish a mixed failure rate model. Finally, for the important equipment and secondary equipment, two PM models are established with the constraint of reliability, the objective of maximum availability, and minimum maintenance cost rate to determine the optimal number of PM and cycles. Combined with an example of production line equipment, the optimal maintenance strategies for important equipment and secondary equipment are obtained. The result verified the feasibility of the model, which effectively improved the reliability of the production line equipment and reduced maintenance costs.

Fuzzy and Interval AHP Approaches in Sustainable Management for the Architectural Heritage in Smart Cities

For the past four decades, the methodology of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based on fuzzy trapezoidal or triangular numbers with the linear type of membership functions has witnessed an expanding development with applicability to a wide variety of areas, such as industry, environment, education, government, economics, engineering, health, and smart city leadership. On the other hand, the interval gray analytic hierarchy process is a more practical method when a significant number of professionals have large variations in preferences and interests in complex decisions. The paper examines the management of architectural heritage in smart cities, using methods of multi-criteria decision making. Two appropriate methods generally recommended by the scientific literature have been applied: fuzzy and interval grey analytic hierarchy process. By using both techniques, there is an opportunity to analyze the consensual results from the aspect of two different stakeholder groups: architectural heritage experts and smart city development experts. Trapezoidal fuzzy analytical hierarchical process shows better stability than a triangular one. Both approaches assign priority to the strategy, but the interval approach gives a more significant rank to architectural heritage factors. The similarity of the proposed methods has been tested, and the similarity factor in the ranking indicates a high degree of similarity in comparing the reference rankings.

Novel model for risk identification during karst excavation

This study proposes a novel fuzzy model for identifying high-risk factors during excavations in urban karst geological environments. The proposed model incorporates the interval analytic hierarchy process (I-AHP) into the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS). The developed model considers the complex geological conditions, monitoring data, management quality, and surrounding environment. I-AHP is employed to assign the weights of the criteria, while TOPSIS is applied to identify high-risk factors. An expert confidence index is introduced to increase the reliability of the evaluated results. A case study of karst excavation at Ma'anshan Park Station on Guangzhou Metro Line 9 is analysed to validate the proposed model. The results indicate that high-risk factors can be identified in different excavation stages. The evaluated results concerning variations in risk factors can provide a guide for adopting construction measures to mitigate risk and reduce accident occurrence.