Selection of construction systems in high-rise residential buildings using a TOPSIS-based decision support model

The preference for high-rise residential buildings in large cities is an inevitable result of modern urbanization. The efficiency of land use, along with economic and environmental advantages, plays a significant role in the preference for these structures. In the construction of high-rise residential buildings, considering factors such as sustainability, safety, and social integration contributes to improving urban quality of life. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach should be adopted in the planning and management of high-rise residential buildings, long-term strategies should be developed, and the appropriate construction system should be chosen. This thesis emphasizes the importance of selecting a construction system for high-rise residential buildings. In the first chapter, the decision-making problem is discussed, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods are examined in detail. The advantages, disadvantages, and application steps of the examined MCDM methods are researched. As a result of the research and examination, the TOPSIS method was found to be suitable for the selection of the construction system for high-rise residential buildings. In the second chapter, the TOPSIS decision-making model is examined in detail. All steps of the TOPSIS model, the formulas to be used at each step, and the matrices to be created are presented. The application areas of the TOPSIS method and examples of its application are examined and analyzed. The third chapter discusses the historical development of high-rise buildings. The reasons for the emergence of high-rise buildings, their historical development, and their current usage density are examined under subheadings. Then, the design criteria of modern high-rise residential buildings are researched. The criteria that need to be considered during the design phase of high-rise buildings, such as interior organization, facade design, core planning, sustainability, earthquake and fire factors, are presented under various headings. The chapter concludes by presenting examples of high-rise residential buildings around the world and in Turkey, and examining the problems that arise in these structures. In the fourth chapter, the systems approach is discussed, and the construction system and processes are researched. The chapter continues with a detailed examination of the load-bearing system design in high-rise buildings, as well as steel and reinforced concrete construction systems. The chapter concludes by discussing the problems caused by the construction systems of high-rise buildings. In the fifth chapter, a model for the selection of the construction system for high-rise residential buildings using a TOPSIS-based decision support model is developed and explained in detail. The model consists of four main steps. The first step is the preliminary evaluation, where the architectural features of the applicant project are assessed. In the second step, the Preliminary Decision-Making step, the opinions of expert decision-makers are sought. If the decision is positive, the architectural project is allowed to proceed to the third step; if the decision is negative, the application is terminated. In the third step, the TOPSIS-based decision support model is executed, comprising a model of ten main steps to decide on the construction system for the applicant architectural project. The fourth step is the final decision-making step. In the sixth chapter, the created model is tested with an example. The model is exemplified by analyzing the results of surveys filled out by 248 participants. This demonstrates that the model works effectively. The conclusion chapter discusses the contributions that the thesis and proposed model can make to the field of architecture and the need for this model in the current system. Keywords: Construction Systems, Building, Residential, TOPSIS, Construction Productio