What is the goal of using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for pavement management?

The goal of using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for pavement management is to incorporate non-economic factors, along with economic considerations, into the decision-making process for selecting pavement maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. MCDM models allow pavement managers to evaluate and compare different options based on multiple criteria, such as pavement condition, ride quality, safety, environmental impact, and social considerations, in addition to cost. This is important because pavement management decisions often involve trade-offs between different objectives. For example, a low-cost treatment may have a negative impact on ride quality or safety, while a more expensive treatment may provide better performance and reduce environmental impact. MCDM models provide a structured framework for evaluating these trade-offs and selecting the option that best meets the overall objectives of the pavement management agency. These models typically involve assigning weights to each criterion to reflect its relative importance and then using a mathematical algorithm to rank the different options based on their performance against each criterion. Common MCDM methods used in pavement management include the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). By using MCDM models, pavement managers can make more informed and transparent decisions that consider a broader range of factors than just cost, leading to more sustainable and socially responsible pavement management practices.