Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process for Assessing Damage in Old Masonry Buildings: A Case Study

This study presents an approach using a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process to assist experts during inspection campaigns of old masonry buildings. The approach is developed through a case study on the assessment of damages to old masonry buildings. Fuzzy systems are preferred due to their ability to handle uncertainties by simulating human reasoning during decision-making. The problem is broken down into a hierarchy of 37 criteria and sub-criteria to enable informed decisions. The weights of these criteria are calculated using the FAHP approach, which is commonly used in multi-criteria decision-making. Experts then assign scores to estimate the global score, reflecting the overall damage to the historical structure. This overall level of damage is associated with a colour, indicating the degree of construction degradation. The methodology is illustrated in the assessment of the health condition of the historic monument of Emir Abdelkader's staff, with results found to be in agreement with those obtained from previous expertise on the historical building. The study concludes that the method adopted is an effective scientific tool that can be of great support to experts in their task of assessing the damage caused to old Masonry buildings.