Development Path of Construction Industry Internet Platform: An AHP–TOPSIS Integrated Approach

Abstract

The Internet-based platform in the construction industry is a carrier for integrated construction information, which positively contributes to the development of smart construction sites (SCS). However, the lack of relevant research results in the ambiguous definition of the construction industry Internet platform. Meanwhile, the current development path of these platforms is also confusing. For this reason, this research first concludes on the main features of Internet-based platforms in the construction industry and puts forward a clear definition. Secondly, a large quantity of literature is overviewed to identify branches of Internet-based platforms as comprehensively as possible. Then, 26 platforms are sorted and classified according to different construction phases. Based on the analytic hierarchy process, an AHP–TOPSIS model, a decision-making method frequently used in the engineering industry, is established with dimensions of technology, demand, policy, and standards. Eventually, the priority of the development of the Internet platform of each segment is sorted, thereby forming the three-stage development path of the construction industry Internet platform, namely Foundation Construction Stage (Platform 1.0), Function Developing Stage (Platform 2.0), Platform Integration Stage (Platform 3.0), and analyzing the characteristics of each development stage. This research opened a clear path for developing Internet-based platforms and providing a basis for formulating development policies for these platforms in the construction industry. With the limitation of an incomprehensive summary of evaluation criteria and platform branches, a better-designed evaluation with more experts in various positions should be conducted in future further research.