Selecting the best materials that ensure maximum performance is crucial in the construction engineering design of any construction project. However, this is challenging and usually not properly considered because of the lack of systematic and scientific evaluation methods for the performance of materials. This paper proposes a new approach of selecting material to satisfy the performance goal of material designers in building constructions based on the analytic hierarchy process method. To validate the suggested model, a case study was conducted for a concrete system form, the performance of which is susceptible to its materials and has a strong effect on overall project productivity. The newly developed form comprising polymers and alloys showed that the proposed material selection model provided a better combination of materials, and the solution was technically more advanced and ensured better performance. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by expanding the understanding of how construction material properties affect project performance and provides a guideline for material engineers to select the best-performing building materials while considering a performance goal.
Keywords: analytic hierarchy process (AHP); building construction; concrete system form; material property; material selection; project performance.