A design-decision support framework for evaluation of design options/proposals using a fuzzy-logic-based composite structure methodology

With the high cost of construction, operation and maintenance, the offshore industry is seeking ways of reducing both the time and money spent to provide high-quality offshore structures needed to support the oil and gas extraction and production. The successful selection process for choosing a design/procurement proposal is based on a high degree of technical integrity, high safety levels and low costs in construction, maintenance and operation. However, the objectives of maximizing the degree of technical performance, maximizing the safety and minimizing the cost incurred are usually in conflict. The evaluation of the technical performance, safety and cost is always associated with uncertainty, especially for a novel system in the initial concept design stages. In this paper, a decision support framework using a composite structure methodology is suggested for design evaluation of offshore engineering products in the initial stages. It is a multiple criteria decision-making framework, which provides a j...