A Scenario-Based Analysis of Forest Product Transportation Using a Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the weight values of the criteria that are effective in selecting the most suitable vehicle types in forest products transportation by using hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method. According to different scenarios, the goal is to determine which vehicle alternative is the most suitable in given conditions. In the results obtained from the study, it is determined that the most important main criterion in determining the eligibility of vehicle alternatives in forest products transport is the environmental damage criterion, while the other main criteria are cost and operational performance, in order of importance. In the scope of the study, transportation scenarios including different operational conditions were created and the suitability of vehicle alternatives was evaluated according to the scenarios, taking into account CO2 emission and road surface damage risk criteria. Transportation of coniferous and broadleaved tree species makes a difference in vehicle suitability rankings according to transportation scenarios. In addition, it was observed that the variability in the amount of roundwoods to be transported affects the vehicle suitability rankings. It will be beneficial to consider the total weight of the forest product to be transported and the tree species in the selection vehicle type.