Prioritizing Road Maintenance: A Framework integrating Fuzzy Best-Worst Method and VIKOR for Multi-Criteria Decision Making

Abstract

A nation’s development depends on its transport networks, particularly the road network, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and social advancement and well-being. However, roads are subject to deterioration due to weather conditions, traffic loading, and construction quality. If they are not maintained properly, they will quickly worsen over time, resulting in reduced mobility and accessibility. To develop and maintain a good road network, careful planning is needed, which covers all aspects of road maintenance, funding, construction, quality, and other criteria. However, due to limited budgets, not all roads can be maintained and rehabilitated at the same time. Road maintenance priority and optimal use of insufficient funding are the most challenging problems the authorities face. The development of a systematic approach is essential to formulate appropriate maintenance policies. This is why the concept of road maintenance prioritization is essential. Additionally, industry experts have also identified a lack of a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique that can incorporate the views of all Decision Makers (DMs) in the road maintenance prioritization process. This study aims to propose a framework for prioritizing road maintenance using MCDM techniques in a fuzzy environment. A case study that considers 20 criteria was conducted. The study integrated two MCDM techniques, namely the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (BWM) and VIKOR, to help DMs evaluate and rank the alternatives, on the basis of the selected maintenance criteria. The aim of this framework is to enhance the decision-making process with impartiality and reliability and to assist in reaching an optimal decision. By comparing the Q values for each alternative, A5 was revealed to have higher priority over the other roads in terms of maintenance and rehabilitation activities.