Comparison and selection of ecological revetments for urban rivers using the AHP-based fuzzy evaluation and TOPSIS methods

This study aimed to develop a method to mitigate the limitations of single evaluation methods, and account for the lack of quantifiable indicators in the selection of ecological revetments for urban rivers. Accordingly, a combination of qualitative analysis and quantitative evaluation techniques was used to perform multi-dimensional evaluations. Using a typical project as an example, five types of revetment structures underwent a preliminary qualitative comparison. To further quantify the comparison and determine the merits of the proposed recommendations, an evaluation model for ecological river revetments and a specialized indicator system were developed. A dual-evaluation method, incorporating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-fuzzy evaluation and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), was used for mutual verification. Using this approach, a comprehensive, multi-dimensional evaluation framework, integrating ecological, economic, and construction-related aspects, was established. Based on the evaluation results, the options were ranked as follows: riprap + gabion > riprap + hydraulic retaining wall > wood-like concrete pile. The two evaluation methods yielded consistent results, demonstrating good applicability. A sensitivity analysis revealed that two main factors—ecological effects and construction quality control—significantly affected the evaluation results.