30 Decision Tool for Selecting the Most Appropriate Technology for Underground Conduit Construction

The two catalysts that have spurred a boom in the construction of underground conduits in the United States has been the demand for natural gas and voice∕data telecommunication networks. Traditional construction methods of underground conduits have included plowing and trenching. However, when environmentally sensitive areas are encountered or when working in urban areas with a congested utility corridor, the traditional methods can become unfeasible. Trenchless technology (TT) consists of a wide range of methods, materials, and equipment to install new underground pipelines and utility systems with minimal excavation of the ground. One such method is horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The development, selection, and utilization of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology have expanded rapidly over this past decade. The reason for this exceptional growth is the desire to install underground conduits with minimum impact on society and the environment. The benefits of HDD are quite apparent when compared to the conventional construction process. However, it is necessary to evaluate the suitability and appropriateness of HDD methods, on a project-to-project basis by considering all the criteria important for the decision task. This paper presents a framework for a decision support system to assist construction managers in selecting the most appropriate technology for a project by systematically evaluating five groups of criteria and subcriteria with respect to the knowledge based preference of the user and the project specific situation.