Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) applied to the selection of facade cladding systems

Abstract

The increase in the production of new technologies causes decision making in the construction industry more and more complex, either for the specification of construction materials or for the adoption of construction methods. There is, therefore, the need to establish objective criteria that support the decision making regarding the most appropriate material to be used in a construction. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to perform a comparative analysis of different facade cladding systems: mortar, ceramic, granite, glass and ACM (Aluminum Composites Materials). For this, the hierarchical analysis methodology was applied based on parameters such as: time, economy, environmental, comfort, durability and aesthetics; under three different scenarios. The results obtained allowed to verify the feasibility of the use of ceramic and mortar coatings even though considered performance and sustainability requirements. It was also observed how the evaluated parameters can influence the final decision of the material choice. The efficiency of this methodology allows its application in the choice of materials in other construction systems, provided that the data of the evaluated parameters are available.