Analytical Hierarchical Process as a Multicriteria Decision Tool in Material Selection for Prefabricated Wood Buildings

Abstract

The popularity of prefabricated wooden buildings is increasing in North America, but choosing suitable materials for these structures can be complicated. This can lead to problems like financial losses, production delays, and lower quality. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to use the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) decision-making tool to rank the criteria for material selection for prefabricated wood buildings in Canada and the United States. The methodology involved surveys experts in the prefabricated wood construction industry from Canada and the United States. The data obtained from the questionnaires utilized for the AHP analysis were modeled using R programming language. The results revealed that for structural materials, the top five subcriteria were safety and security of building occupants (0.234), location, shape, and height of the building (0.218), comfort, satisfaction, and well-being of the building (0.155), occupant health (0.121), and availability of materials (0.098). For selecting envelope materials, the top five subcriteria were comfort, satisfaction, and well-being of the building (0.252), safety and security of building occupants (0.206), location, shape, and height of the building (0.178), occupant health (0.132), and availability of materials (0.078).