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The optimal dam site selection using a group decision-making method through fuzzy TOPSIS model

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Abstract

The complex and controversial task of selecting a dam site in a river basin can be successfully achieved using science-informed multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. In this paper, we describe the application of the group fuzzy TOPSIS model for optimal ranking of the case study of Kandoleh dam sites in Kermanshah province, Iran, involving 18 input criteria. In this study, decision-making committee was made up of 20 involved decision makers. The comments of four non-biased, external experts in dam site selection were also used. The triangular fuzzy numbers were used to apply experts’ opinions on the selection criteria. In total, four alternative sites were assessed based on the technical, economic, social and environmental considerations and the data were analyzed using fuzzy TOPSIS MCDM model. Ranking results were compared with multi-criteria decision-making models, including the ELimination and Choice Expressing the REality and simple additive weighting. This logical, open and transparent framework provides a science-informed decision-making approach for complex problems such as optimal dam site selection. Finally, using sensitivity analysis, local studies and group discussions, we demonstrated the multiple benefits of the proposed novel method for a science-informed, open and transparent method for optimal ranking of the dam site candidates.

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(reproduced with the permission from Kahraman et al. 2003)

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

    Amir Noori & Hossein Bonakdari

  2. Environmental Research Center, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

    Khosro Morovati

  3. School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Bahram Gharabaghi

Authors
  1. Amir Noori
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  2. Hossein Bonakdari
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  3. Khosro Morovati
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  4. Bahram Gharabaghi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hossein Bonakdari.

Appendices

Appendix 1: TFNs of experts’ opinion about the criteria importance

See Table 15.

Table 15 TFNs of experts’ opinion about the criteria importance
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Appendix 2: TFNs of experts’ opinion for evaluation of the alternatives in relation to criteria

See Table 16.

Table 16 TFNs of experts’ opinion for evaluation of the alternatives in relation to criteria
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Noori, A., Bonakdari, H., Morovati, K. et al. The optimal dam site selection using a group decision-making method through fuzzy TOPSIS model. Environ Syst Decis 38, 471–488 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-018-9673-x

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