Optimal monitoring instruments selection using innovative decision support system framework

Structural monitoring is the most important part of the construction and operation of the embankment dams. Appropriate instruments selection for dams is vital, as inappropriate selection causes irreparable loss in critical condition. Due to the lack of a systematic approach to determine adequate instruments, a framework based on three comparable Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods, which are VIKOR, technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE), has been developed. MADM techniques have been widely used for optimizing priorities and determination of the most suitable alternatives. However, the results of the different methods of MADM have indicated inconsistency in ranking alternatives due to closeness of judgements from decision makers. In this study, 9 criteria and 42 geotechnical instruments have been applied. A new method has been developed to determine the decision makers\' importance weights and an aggregation method has been introduced to optimally select the most suitable instruments. Consequently, the outcomes of the aggregation ranking correlate about 94% with TOPSIS and VIKOR, and 83% with PROMETHEE methods\'results providing remarkably appropriate prioritisation of instruments for embankment dams.