Decision Support System for Waterproofing of Below-Grade Structures

Abstract:   This study focused on the development of a decision support system (DSS) for waterproofing of below-grade structures. The objective was to formulate an optimal solution for waterproofing of below-grade structures according to their parameters and based upon engineering and economic criteria. The model examines the environmental, structural, economic, and service life planning aspects of waterproofing in an integrated manner. The decision support model was based on the following four phases: input interface, preliminary classification, advanced classification, and output interface. The output phase consists of an interactive accessory that provides design details and quality assurance guidelines for each particular case, as well as economic parameters such as life cycle costs and risk of failure. The major contribution of this DSS is its development of a methodological application of integrated decision process, achieved by the use of engineering, economic, and service life criteria. Application of the DSS to several case studies revealed that a number of near-optimal alternatives exist, which differ from one another in terms of constructability, capital costs, and labor inputs. Cost of failure plays a major role in life cycle assessment, and may be a salient factor in the selection of the optimal solution.