Ranking the sawability of ornamental stone using Fuzzy Delphi and multi-criteria decision-making techniques

The main purpose of this study is to compare the many different rock properties in the rock sawability. The comparison was realized with the combination of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Fuzzy Delphi method and also TOPSIS method. The analysis is one of the multi-criteria techniques providing useful support in selecting among several alternatives with different objectives and criteria. FDAHP method was used in determining the weights of the criteria by decision makers and then ranking the sawability of the rocks was determined by TOPSIS method. The study was supported by the results obtained from a questionnaire carried out to know the opinions of the experts in this subject. During the research process, the rock sawability was evaluated in terms of production rate of sawn rock. Prediction of production rate is important in the cost estimation and the planning of the stone plants. The new developed ranking method may be used for evaluating production rate of ornamental stone at any stone factory with different stone. Some factors such as uniaxial compressive strength, Schmiazek F-abrasivity, mohs hardness and Young’s modulus must be obtained for the best production rate ranking.

► We develop a new ranking method for evaluating production rate of ornamental stone.
► FDAHP method was used in determining the weights of the criteria by decision makers.
► Ranking the sawability of the rocks was determined by TOPSIS method.