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Assignment 1
An Application of Concepts of Sustainability and MCA using AHP
Subject: Sustainable Development and Construction
Submitted By: Muhammad Naeem
MS Structural Engineering
CU 758- 18

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Contents
1. Abstract (Importance)
2. Introduction
3. Discussion
4. Application of case study (Example)
5. Conclusion

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Abstract (Importance)
The multi criteria analysis (MCA) is a technique being widely used to reach a decision among
various alternatives. This method is extensively used in advance countries for policy making,
feasibility & implementation of mega projects, resource allocation, making choice among
alternatives etc. It is considered an important subject and is being taught at various schools and
universities across the globe. Many universities of different countries offer admissions/courses and
hundreds of research papers have been published so far over the topic under discussion.

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Introduction
MCA is a tool being widely used which helps in decision making among various alternatives.
Particularly it is used for sustainability assessment where issues of different nature like social,
political, financial etc. are taken into account. It provides a structure which is easy, simple and user
friendly for decision making.
MCA is applicable to all levels of decision making ranging from project having various alternatives
to policy making decision where MCA aids in providing a transparent and convenient structure to
reach a sustainable and wise decision. [1]
Advantages of MCA over other informal judgments [2]
• The choice of various criteria is open to decision makers and is liable to changes in case it is
not appropriate.
• The measurement of performance can be sublet (outsourced) and expert opinion may be
sought if deemed necessary. Thus it is not left merely in the hands of decision makers.
• It may be an important source of communication within decision making body and/or at later
stage between decision making body and community.
• The weights assigned to various criteria provide a track/route for audit.
Assigning scores and weights
Scores. Each option is assigned a numerical value/score on the basis of preferences which indicates
its strength. The higher the value the most preferred is the option and vice versa. For example if the
assigned value ranges from 0 to 10, then 0 indicates the least preferred option while 10 indicates the
most preferred option.
Weight. Each criterion is assigned a numerical weight on the basis of which it is assessed.
[1]. IAIA 10 Training course # 3
[2]. Communities and Local Government. MCA- a manual

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Literature Review/Discussion
Concept of Sustainable development [3]
The idea of sustainability was first floated in1972 at UN conference on human environment. An
agreement was made between 113 countries on making the environment the clear and bringing the
environment related issues to a platform for discussion and subsequent resolution. However the third
world countries had serious reservations regarding the stoppage of their development. Eventually a
world commission was established by UN in 1983 on environment and development in order to
resolve the conflict between developed and under developed countries. The commission generated a
report namely, “our common future” (Bruntland report 1987). Later on four principles were derived
from Bruntland report by Newman and Kenworthy in 1999 which are as follows.
1. To eliminate poverty especially in under developed countries. This is not limited to humans
only but environment as well. The rapid growth in human population is mainly dependent on
Agriculture and in absence of social and sustainable development there will be serious threat
to environment.
2. The developed countries should maintain a balance between resources consumption and
related waste production. On an average, a developed country consumes about 500 times
more natural resources as compared to a poor country. In order to achieve a sustainable
development, social and economic change is inevitable.
3. For success it is highly essential that all nations must work together to overcome the
environmental challenges like Green-house gases and other hazardous wastes etc. it is
pertinent to mention that globalism is the indicator to sustainable development.
4. The aforementioned changes can only occur when local communities commit to resolve their
issues. Sustainability can be implemented when there is development in local cultures.
The commission in the Bruntland report states that the environmental issues are related to the gap
between poverty (of third world) and imbalance of consumption and production (of first world).
There are many definitions of sustainable development; however the essence is the same i.e. to
provide the basic human needs in such a way as not to have violation of nature on earth.
Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA)
Suppose there is a situation where a decision has to be made regarding any issue,
there are ways to formulate and help in reaching a decision. The first thing is to set a
goal. The next step is to think about the alternatives and the key factors of relative
importance. (Belton and Stewart 2002).
[3] CHALMERS, MCA for assessing sustainability of Remedial Actions, PETRA BRINKHOFF

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Now there are different ways to evaluate how alternatives meet the objective. One technique is cost
benefit analysis (CBA) which is purely monetary. Another way is use of multi criteria analysis
(MCA) or multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) which will aid in reaching a transparent and
sensible decision where the alternatives that meet the objective in a best way is sorted out.
(CLG 2009)
Outline of the MCA methodology [4]
It is a technique which makes the decision process more clear and transparent especially when there
is large amount of complex information. It may be used for different purposes like
1. To know about an option which is most preferred
2. The various alternatives are ranked against each other
3. Various alternatives are short listed
4. To differentiate between alternatives which are acceptable and not acceptable.
According to CLG (2009), MCA has the following advantages over other informal judgments.
• It is clear and specific.
• The choice of various criteria is open to decision makers and is liable to changes in case it is
not appropriate.
• The measurement of performance can be sublet (outsourced) and expert opinion may be
sought if deemed necessary. Thus it is not left merely in the hands of decision makers.
• It may be an important source of communication within decision making body and/or at later
stage between decision making body and community.
• The weightages assigned to various criteria provide a track/route for audit.
For important projects it is mandatory to get expert opinion from concerned professionals and to
have regular review of the procedure being followed.
An MCDA involves 8 steps given below. For simple decisions one can follow only step 1 to step 4
and 7 for analysis purpose which is referred to as MCA. It is pertinent to mention that MCA ends
with a performance matrix whereas MCDA analysis includes scores, weights and their combinations.
Below are given total of 8 steps wherein MCDA has been segregated by the boldface words (CLG,
2009).
1. Establish the goal, aims of MCA, decision makers etc.
2. Identify the alternatives
[4] CHALMERS, MCA for assessing sustainability of Remedial Actions, PETRA BRINKHOFF

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3. Establish the criteria/priorities that reflect the value associated with each alternative.
4. The performance of each alternative is evaluated/described against the criterion. If steps 5 &
6 are included, this performance is measured quantitatively by scores or other units.
5. Assign weights & scores for each of the criterion to reflect its importance with respect
to decision.
6. Combine weights and scores to get an overall value.
7. Examine the result.
8. Make a sensitivity analysis of the results to change in scores and weights.
Techniques developed for MCA.
Different techniques have been developed for MCA at different levels. Below are given the main
approaches.
• Multi Attribute Utility (MAUT)
• Outranking Approaches
• Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
All the above techniques involve assigning values for alternatives, multiplying with weights and
getting a total end score. Final selection is based on situation in which an analysis is required.
Multi Attribute Utility (MAUT)
This technique was developed by the work of Neumann and Morgenstern (1944) and later by Savage
(1954). It is based on the assumption that stakeholders rationally choose among various alternatives
and aim to maximize the value of their choice. This approach also assumes perfect knowledge and
consistent judgments on part of the participants. (Linkov et al. 2005)
Outranking Approach
It is quite different approach as compared to other MCA procedures. It is more interactive process
between model and decision makers. This method was developed in France and is mostly used in
some continental European countries. (CLG, 2009)
This technique is based on outranking relation on the set of alternatives. (Belton and Stewart 2002)
There are several outranking methods like,
• Elimination et Choix Traduisant 1a Realite ELECTRE I,II,III,IV and TRI
• PROMETHEE (with or without GAIA, Geometric Analysis for Interactive Aid)

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ELECTRE I was developed by Roy in 1960s. The PROMETHEE method was developed by Brans
and co-workers in 1980s.
The outranking technique is applicable to both qualitative and quantitative data.
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
This method was developed by Prof. Saaty who is known as the Architect of AHP. This procedure is
considered to be the most appropriate technique for evaluating humanitarian, environmental and
engineering projects.
The AHP is decision making technique which is based on pair-wise comparison between criteria and
associated weights. It facilitates the decision making process and help the decision makers to reach
the best decision through a formal and transparent process.
The AHP procedure has the following three steps. [5]
1. The construction of hierarchy
2. Getting data to have pair-wise comparison
3. Synthesis of priorities (Harkar and Vargas 1987)
The first step i.e. construction of hierarchy is based on past experience and studies. The proposed
problem should be structured into decision making process by the participants, however every
participant may not necessarily agree on each and every point of the problem (Saaty & Kearns 1985)
All the important elements related to the problem must be covered within the process of hierarchy.
After hierarchy has been developed, the data is collected in order to have the pair-wise comparison
and the associated relative importance of each element. The priorities are set by decision makers.
The evaluation of the alternatives and criteria is either done by an individual or group involved in the
process of decision making (Crouch and Ritchie 2005).
It is pertinent to mention that when 2 elements are compared at the same time, then it will
significantly reduce the complexity involved in the process. This simplification led to the assumption
which was considered reasonable by Saaty and others.
[5] Journal of Travel Research Ching- Fu Chen

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Applications of AHP [6]
Being extensively used, AHP has much more applications in various sectors and also to human
judgment process (Lee et al. 2001). The AHP can be applied but not limited to the following
decision situations.
• To choose an alternative from among given set of alternatives.
• To rank alternatives from best preferred to least preferred.
• To allocate resources among various set of alternatives.
• To deal with the quality management system within organization.
• To settle disputes among parties having incompatible goals.
The AHP has been applied to thousands of complex decision situations so far and have produced
extensive results as regards planning, quality management, engineering, resource allocation etc.
whereas many AHP applications have not been reported due to security and privacy constraints.
Below are given some uses of AHP
• Selecting type of nuclear reactor
• Risk assessment in managing/operating cross country petroleum pipelines (ASCE)
• Deciding location of offshore plants
• Feasibility/execution of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)
• Optimization of scope of work for highway project (Virginia)
[6] Wikipedia

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Application of case study (Example)
Project: Construction of Swat Expressway
Employer: Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority (PKHA)
Monitoring Consultants: M/s PAVRON/AEC JV
Contractor: Frontier Works Organization (FWO)
Length: 81 km
Mode of Contract: Build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT)
Area of discussion: Pavement design of road in hilly terrain where road grade is > 4%
The aforementioned expressway has substantially been completed and considerable portion is
opened for traffic now. It is pertinent to mention that the whole pavement design is flexible/asphalt
irrespective of road grade which was required to have been compared with alternate design namely
rigid pavement (concrete pavement) since asphalt pavement is more vulnerable to pavement distress
like corrugation (or wash boarding)[*]
due to application of brakes by heavy vehicles while moving
downgrade. Both flexible and rigid pavements are hereby compared with respect to the following
priorities/criteria
Flexible/Asphalt pavement Rigid/Concrete pavement
Cost Asphalt pavement is less costly. Concrete pavement is more costly than
asphalt pavement( when design is rich)
Time Time taken by asphalt pavement is less. Since concrete pavement is constructed
in panels, therefore more time is taken.
Performance Performance of asphalt pavement in hilly
terrain (grade> 4%) is not good.
Concrete pavement has better
performance in hilly area (grade > 4%).
Maintenance Due to pavement distresses, maintenance
cost is more.
Due to better performance, there is least
maintenance & hence little or no cost.
[*]. The Asphalt Handbook, Manual Series No. 4 [MS-4]

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Decision Hierarchy
Goal
Criterion
Alternatives
Choose the suitable pavement at
hilly area where road grade > 4%
Cost Time Performance Maintenance
Rigid pavement in
hilly area
(Road grade >4%)
Flexible pavement
in hilly area
(Road grade >4%)

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Pair-wise Comparison for Criteria
Criteria compared with respect to reaching the Goal
Cost 4 Time 1 Cost is the most crucial factor in projects. Time is important
since time itself is money. Cost is stronger more important than
time. Weight: 4
Cost 3 Performance 1 Performance is needed to know about the response of finished
item with the passage of time. Cost is important so that one is
certain about funds provision & allocation. Cost is moderately
more important than performance. Weight: 3
Cost 7 Maintenance 1 Cost is much more important since without cost project can’t be
initiated/planned. It is very strongly more important than
maintenance. Weight: 7
Time 1 Maintenance 3 Both time & maintenance are important for project completion
& afterwards for routine maintenance respectively.
Maintenance is moderately more important than time. Weight3
Performance 3 Time 1 Performance is more important as compared to time.
Performance is moderately more important than time. Weight 3
Maintenance 1 Performance 5 It is important to foresee the periodic/routine maintenance.
However performance of end product is much more important
and is strongly more important than maintenance. Weight: 5
Criteria
Criteria Cost Time Performance Maintenance Priority
Cost 1 4 3 7 0.547
Time 1/4 1 1/3 3 0.127
Performance 1/3 3 1 5 0.270
Maintenance 1/7 1/3 1 1 0.056
Sum of Priorities 1.000
Inconsistency 0.044

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Alternatives & Priorities
Alternatives compared with respect to cost
Flexible
pavement
1 Rigid
pavement
4 Rigid pavement is more expensive especially when the
design is rich. Weight: 4
Cost Flexible
pavement
Rigid pavement
Flexible pavement 1 4
Rigid pavement 4 1
Alternatives compared with respect to time
Flexible
pavement
1 Rigid
pavement
3 Flexible pavement takes time as there are various layers to
be constructed in accordance with design & specifications.
Rigid pavement is more time consuming since its
construction is segmental. Weight: 3
Time Flexible
pavement
Rigid pavement
Flexible pavement 1 3
Rigid pavement 3 1

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Alternatives compared with respect to performance
Flexible
pavement
1 Rigid
pavement
3 Performance of flexible is good in plain/low grade areas,
however in hilly/rolling terrain where road grade/profile is
more, then rigid pavement performs excellently. Weight: 3
Performance Flexible
pavement
Rigid pavement
Flexible pavement 1 3
Rigid pavement 3 1
Alternatives compared with respect to maintenance
Flexible
pavement
1 Rigid
pavement
7 Flexible pavement is more susceptible to distresses like
corrugation and rutting especially at high grade areas when
brakes are applied, hence frequent maintenance &
associated huge cost is involved. Rigid pavement has least
or no maintenance cost. Weight: 7
Maintenance Flexible
pavement
Rigid pavement
Flexible pavement 1 7
Rigid pavement 7 1
Decision. If we look at the above comparison, both types of pavements have pros & cons with
respect to various criteria. However, the crucial factor is performance in high grade areas where road
grade > 4% since in case of poor performance the road failure will occur which involves traffic
management and associated maintenance cost. The rigid pavement leads in such a scenario. Hence
the best option is rigid pavement in hilly area where road grade is more than 4%.

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Conclusion
Based on the aforementioned discussions, it is concluded that MCA is the present day need. It has
been widely recognized in developed countries as decision making tool among various alternatives.
However in third world countries there are certain challenges regarding adoptability of this
technique like lack of resources, expertise and after all to educate the people regarding its
significance. Hence to go with rest of the world it’s a system which must be encouraged/adopted.