Use of Analytical Hierarchy Process in Selecting the Optimum Equipment for Execution at a Construction Project

Abstract

There are plethora of issues associated with construction project management process, the most important being the selection of the optimum equipment for execution at a construction site. Different people have different choices based on their experience. Due to this Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) can contribute a lot to the resolution of this issue and many other Project Management issues where opinion of everyone should be considered and given importance. This study uses AHP methodology to rank the most important criteria for equipment selection and then performs the cost-benefit analysis. Initially, weightage of each criteria is calculated which is later used for the calculation of total benefits of each equipment. Comparative assessment based on the analysis proposes the optimum equipment for construction project. An illustrative case study is performed within which the hierarchy tree format is developed. Thereafter, a questionnaire is prepared which takes expert judgment into account and finally the results of AHP analysis are coupled with cost benefit analyses to recommend the optimum machinery for construction projects.