A technical viewpoint on evaluating underground construction approaches during the pre-construction phase: An appraisal framework

The objective of this research is to develop an evaluation framework for technically appraising underground methodologies during the pre-construction phase. Initially, technical assessment criteria were derived through a combination of literature review and expert consultations. A survey was subsequently administered to gather insights from individuals with practical experience in underground building. Factor analysis was conducted to uncover the underlying significance of each criterion. Next, a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) model was constructed to determine the relative importance of each criterion. The assessment framework was then applied to evaluate the underground construction approach for a specific project, and the results were validated by projectinvolved experts. The study yielded a Fuzzy AHP model comprising 8 categories of factors and 35 refined criteria, spanning various domains from documentation and resources to geological and hydrological considerations. These factor categories represent original contributions to the field and are pivotal for the technical evaluation of underground construction methods in the pre-construction phase. The findings underscore the efficacy of the model in aiding construction firms in making informed decisions for the successful and safe execution of chosen underground construction methodologies, particularly during the pre-construction phase.