Identification of multiple criteria for the evaluation of light-frame wood wall assemblies

Design of light-frame wood wall assemblies should consider several performance criteria. Possible alternatives must respect minimum code requirements for the studied context. Then, additional performance characteristics may be considered to achieve the most suitable configuration for a specific project. It is, however, not simple to define how several performance criteria can be evaluated simultaneously and which scale should be used to compare assemblies. Existing tools to evaluate performance criteria consider mostly one parameter at the time. An evaluation methodology taking into account at once different performance characteristics would be beneficial in the decision process. With the final aim of developing a multi-criteria framework to support the evaluation of improved factory-built wood-frame exterior walls, this article presents a methodology for quantitative evaluation of a set of performance characteristics. The identification of appropriate criteria is followed by the choice of quantification mechanisms. A case study comparing five wall assemblies exemplifies this methodology.