# Decision Support Model for Allocating Maintenance Budgets for Bridges
## 2 Literature Review
### Applications of AHP and MAUT in Construction  
The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a quantitative approach which provides a rational model for decision-making through quantifying the criteria of the needed decision, as well as its alternative options. The decision maker would be comparing the importance of each criterion, two at a time, through conducting pair-wise comparisons [8]. The Multiple Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) is utilized to guide the decision-making process when the selection is constrained to a few alternatives. The evaluation of each alternative is determined by adding all the weight values of the alternatives regarding each considered attribute [9].  
The combination of two techniques, namely the AHP and the MAUT, is a method to overcome any shortcomings of any multi-criteria decision-making technique. AHP and MAUT have been used extensively in construction management applications (e.g., [10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15]). In bridge management systems, the goal of AHP is to determine the weights of the bridge prioritization criteria, while MAUT aims to evaluate different bridge maintenance plans to determine the utility scores of criteria for all alternatives (bridges).  
[PERSON] et al. [12] proposed a model for lighting system selection in residential buildings, in Saudi Arabia, utilizing AHP and MAUT. The model utilizes the AHP technique for establishing weights for four selection criteria for lighting systems through the development and distribution of a questionnaire survey. The multi-attribute utility theory was then utilized to assess the performance of the lighting system alternatives against the selection criteria through the development of utility scores. The developed model was implemented and resulted in recommending the most optimal alternative for lighting systems in residential buildings.  
[PERSON] and [PERSON] [13] proposed a model for evaluating and selecting curtain wall systems in office buildings in Saudi Arabia. The study commenced with a literature review and experts' interviews to identify the commonly utilized curtain wall systems in office building projects. A questionnaire was administered to determine the weight of the criteria using the AHP technique. The model was implemented based on integrating the weight of all assessed criteria and their utility scores.  
[PERSON] et al. [14] developed a computer-based system for mobile crane selection in Saudi Arabia. The developed system integrates the experts' experience with AHP and MAUT in the selection procedure. The model comprised the utilization of AHP technique to assess the importance of mobile crane's selection criteria, and the application of multi-attribute utility theory to determine the utility scores for the crane selection criteria, for all crane alternatives. Upon the implementation of the model, the study concluded that integration of the AHP and the MAUT techniques served to recommend the selection of the most technologically appropriate mobile crane alternative.  
[PERSON] and [PERSON] [15] proposed a framework for the selection of a private partner in PPP project delivery systems for housing projects in Saudi Arabia. The framework integrates AHP and MAUT for measuring the importance of the selection criteria of private partners in Public Private Partnership.