# Integrated Decision Support Framework of Optimal Scaffolding System for Construction Projects
## 5 Conclusions  
The proposed framework provides a systematic and knowledge-based system for construction scaffolding decision-making problems. The developed framework not only considers multiple conflicting criteria, but also utilizes the rich knowledge of experts. Therefore, the framework presents an automated system that integrates a technical scaffolding database, expert knowledge, and the assessment criteria.  
Compared with current studies and industry practices, the proposed methodology can assist construction managers and planners in selecting the optimal scaffolding type and model with low cost and improving the efficiency of construction activities through the consideration of multiple criteria, including support to activities, health risk, equipment rental cost, running cost, etc. The model also allows users to explore different scaffolding alternatives from the database to meet their needs. The system also assists planners and managers in saving costs in the renting and running of scaffolding systems.  
The results and analysis in this research provide some interesting findings as follows. First, the proposed framework focuses on the decision making problem of scaffolding type and model considering both expert knowledge and technical parameters. Compared with planning practices in the industry, the developed model enables selection of the most efficient scaffolding model and achieves various conflicting objectives. Second, the results of the proposed model could achieve better performance compared with the traditional practices through the integration of two phases: multiple modules and algorithms. Third, the proposed model was also applied and validated to a case study, and the technical database can provide various alternatives for scaffolding. The results generated the optimal scaffolding alternative effectively through a computerized system. Furthermore, the developed system can be employed by project managers, scaffolding planners, engineers, and labor crews, and could also be used by scaffolding rental companies for better decision making.  
In future research, the uncertainties in the expert knowledge could be further evaluated. More MCDM methods can be applied to the system to determine the best alternative, such as VIKOR and ELECTRE. With more criteria considered in the hierarchy, final decisions will be more accurate and effective.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c c c c c c} \hline \hline \multirow{3}{*}{MCDM method} & \multicolumn{8}{c}{Change criterion weight} \\ \cline{2-11}  & \(-5\%\) & & & \(+5\%\) & & \(-50\%\) & & \(+50\%\) & & \\ \cline{2-11}  & & \multicolumn{8}{c}{Sensitivity coefficient SC*} \\ \cline{2-11}  & 0 & 2 & \(>\)2 & 0 & 2 & \(>\)2 & 0 & 2 & \(>\)2 & 0 & 2 & \(>\)2 \\ \hline \multicolumn{11}{c}{Occurrence of sensitivity coefficient among 15 sub-criteria} \\ \hline FAHP-TOPSIS & 15 & 0 & 0 & 15 & 0 & 0 & 13 & 0 & 2 & 10 & 3 & 2 \\ FAHP-MAVT & 15 & 0 & 0 & 15 & 0 & 0 & 13 & 2 & 0 & 15 & 0 & 0 \\ FAHP-VIKOR & 15 & 0 & 0 & 15 & 0 & 0 & 14 & 1 & 0 & 13 & 2 & 0 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 9: Sensitivity coefficient SC*.  
**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, methodology, software, validation, formal analysis, investigation, resources, data curation, writing--original draft preparation, writing--review and editing, visualization, supervision, project administration were made by [PERSON] and [PERSON]. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
**Funding:** This research was funded by Fundamental Research Funds for the Chinese Central Universities under grant number FRF-TP-20-020A1.  
**Data Availability Statement:** The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.  
**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.