Conceptual framework of decision support model for the selection of structural frame material to achieve sustainability and constructability in singapore

Abstract

The construction industry plays a significant role not only in economic growth, but also in environmental impacts. As the global recognition on sustainable development, the construction industry is now highly challenged from high material consumption, energy consumption, CO2 emission, and social problems. In addition, Singapore government has launched buildability appraisal system and productivity enhancement scheme to encourage construction industry improve productivity. Under the pressure of reducing environmental impacts and increasing productivity, economic goal is not the only factor that should be considered when doing decision making. There is a clear need for a link between economic performance, environmental performance and productivity performance. Sustainability philosophy and constructability philosophy are useful when establishing such a link. However, little has been done on the connection between constructability principles and sustainable development. This paper presents a holistic framework to show the factors that affect the decision making on selecting structural materials. Based on the framework, a decision support model is established using Multiattribute value technique. The weights of 1st level factors and 2nd level attributes have been computed using AHP method and 1-5 likert scale method. The rating method is offered as well.