Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach for assessing the sustainability of the innovative pin-connected structural system

Structural design is essential for minimizing environmental impacts by encouraging the reuse of resources, recycling materials, and reducing waste and pollution in construction projects. Compared to traditional approaches, sustainable design more effectively supports sustainability objectives. Nonetheless, the decision-making process can be complicated due to differing preferences among clients, architects, and engineers. This research aims to develop a decision-making framework to assess sustainability in the initial phases of structural design. Multi-Criteria Decision-Aiding (MCDA) techniques are utilized to facilitate regulatory choices, with the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) employed to identify the best solution. Three structural system alternatives—one innovative and two conventional—are evaluated based on economic, social, and environmental criteria. A literature review and expert feedback reveal nine sub-criteria for prioritizing sustainability factors. The FAHP findings indicate that the economic impact is the most significant criterion for assessing the sustainability of structural systems, followed by environmental concerns, while social aspects are the least important. This research emphasizes the potential of MCDA methods to assist engineers in enhancing the selection process for sustainable design, with the proposed framework validated for application in similar future projects.