Hyperbolic fuzzy set decision framework for construction contracts integrating CRITIC and WASPAS for dispute mitigation

Abstract

The paper attempts to mitigate disputes during drafting of a construction contract by presenting a decision framework. The research questions considered are to set the main criteria involved and their relative importance in contract clauses selection and evaluate the priority of different contract clauses. In response, the paper presents an integrated framework involving hyperbolic fuzzy data, CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method for criteria weight calculation, and query-based Weighted Aggregated Sum Product ASsessment (WASPAS) method for determining personalized priority of contract clauses. Results infer that work termination, customer reserve, guarantee periods and responsibilities of contractor/customer are the key criteria, and contract under the Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC) Yellow Book is of top priority. Such integrated framework serves as supplement to contractors and customers for prompt and rational decision-making by reducing human intervention, managing uncertainty, and reducing bias/subjectivity. In the future, plans are made to include a priori information into the decision framework.