Analysis of Artificial Aggregate and Natural Aggregate Preferences in Pavement Coatings Using AHP and TOPSIS Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

Öz

Pavement engineering applications are one of the engineering fields that should be prioritized in countries with high population numbers and vehicle mobility, such as Turkey, both in terms of initial construction costs and maintenance and repair processes. There are many different processes that must be considered in order to achieve optimal results in the production of pavement. These include material transportation and storage, production processes, ground applications, and the size of the area where the pavement will be applied, along with the associated large-scale budget requirements. Aggregates, one of the basic components of pavements, are classified as artificial and natural aggregates depending on how they are obtained. In Turkey, there are differences between the preferences of decision-makers regarding artificial and natural aggregates during the application of pavement. In this study, the criteria that most affect preferences and the sub-criteria associated with these criteria were determined based on evaluations conducted with experts in pavements, and analyses were performed using the AHP and TOPSIS techniques from multi-criteria decision-making methods. In their preferences for artificial and natural aggregates, decision-makers considered criteria such as the type of aggregate, the processes involved in obtaining it, difficulties encountered in storage and application, physical strength, performance values under wheel load, maintenance costs, and customary practices as important factors. The analyses revealed that the most important factors influencing the decision-making process were, in order, difficulties in aggregate production, ongoing application habits, and road deterioration related to aggregate type. The criteria identified as contributing relatively less to the evaluation by decision-makers were differences in maintenance costs depending on the type of aggregate, differences in the equipment used in the production process, and the lifespan of the produced material before application. It is anticipated that the outputs of this study will provide decision-makers with a more systematic, technical guidance for decision-making related to pavements.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Pavement
• Artificial aggregates
• AHP
• TOPSIS
• Transportation

Üstyapı Kaplamalarında Yapay Agrega ve Doğal Agrega Tercihlerinin AHP ve TOPSIS Çok Kriterli Karar Verme Yöntemleriyle Analizi

Öz

Üstyapı mühendisliği uygulamaları gerek ilk yapım maliyetleri gerekse bakım onarım süreçleri ile Türkiye gibi nüfus sayısı ve araç hareketliliği yüksek ülkelerde öncelik verilmesi gereken mühendislik alanlarından birisidir. Üstyapı kaplamalarının üretiminde optimum sonuç elde edebilmek için göz önünde bulundurulması gereken birçok farklı süreç vardır. Bunlar arasında malzemenin taşınma ve depolanması, üretim süreçleri, zemin uygulamaları ve üstyapı kaplamasının uygulanacağı alanın büyüklüğü ve buna bağlı yüksek ölçekli bütçe gereksinimleri sayılabilir. Üstyapı kaplamalarının temel bileşenlerinden birisi olan agregalar elde ediliş türüne göre yapay ve doğal agregalar olarak sınıflandırılmaktadır. Türkiye’de üstyapı kaplamalarına ilişkin karar vericilerin uygulama esnasında yapay ve doğal agrega tercihleri arasında farklılıklar bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, üstyapı kaplamaları konusunda uzmanlarla yapılan değerlendirmeler neticesinde tercihleri en çok etkileyen kriterler ve bu kriterlere bağlı alt kriterler belirlenmiş ve çok kriterli karar verme yöntemlerinden AHP ve TOPSIS teknikleriyle analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yapay ve doğal agrega tercihlerinde karar vericiler agrega türüne bağlı olarak, elde ediliş süreçleri, depolama ve uygulamada yaşanan zorluklar, fiziksel dayanımlar, tekerlek yükü altındaki performans değerleri, bakım maliyetleri, alışılagelen uygulamalar gibi ölçütleri önemli etkenler olarak nitelendirmişlerdir. Analizler neticesinde karar verme sürecini etkileyen en önemli faktörler sırasıyla agrega üretiminde yaşanan zorluklar, süregelen uygulama alışkanlıkları, agrega türüne bağlı yol bozulmaları olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda karar vericilerin göreceli olarak değerlendirmeye daha az katkıda bulunduğu belirlenen kriterler ise bakım maliyetlerindeki agraga türüne bağlı farklılıklar, üretim sürecinde kullanılacak araçların farklılığı ve üretilmiş malzemenin uygulamadan önce korunabilme süresi olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. . Çalışmanın çıktılarının, üstyapı kaplamalarına ilişkin karar süreçlerinde karar vericilere daha sistematik ve teknik bir rehberlik süreci sağlaması öngörülmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Üstyapı
• Yapay agrega
• AHP
• TOPSIS
• Ulaştırma

Kaynakça

1. Ai, Q., Huang, J., Du, S., Yang, K., & Wang, H. (2022). Comprehensive evaluation of very thin asphalt overlays with different aggregate gradations and asphalt materials based on AHP and TOPSIS. Buildings, 12(8), Article 1149. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081149
2. Akbas, M., & Iyisan, R. (2025). Assessment of recycled waste materials for engineering applications in Turkey. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1011364
3. Arap, İ. (2020). Türkiye’nin karayolu politikasının örgütsel boyutu: Karayolları Genel Müdürlüğünün kurumsal kapasitesi üzerine bir çözümleme. Bingöl Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 4(2), 237–270. https://doi.org/10.33399/biibfad.782181
4. Bayraktar, O. Y., Turhal, S., Benli, A., Shi, J., & Kaplan, G. (2025). Application of recycled aggregates and biomass ash in fibre-reinforced green roller compacted concrete pavement-technical and environmental assessment. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 26(1), Article 2458140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2025.2458140
5. Behera, M., Bhattacharyya, S. K., Minocha, A. K., Deoliya, R., & Maiti, S. (2014). Recycled aggregate from C&D waste and its use in concrete – A breakthrough towards sustainability in construction sector: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 68, 501–516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.07.003
6. Bilim, N., & Güneş, H. (2023). Selection of the best aggregates to be used in road construction with TOPSIS method. Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi - Mineral Resources Management, 145–164. https://doi.org/10.24425/gsm.2023.145885
7. Chen, G., Yue, X., Xie, Y., Kong, L., Huang, Y., & Ren, D. (2025). Study on performance of a novel asphalt mixture containing strength and morphology controlled artificial aggregates. Journal of Cleaner Production, 498, Article 145193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145193
8. Çetinkaya, Z. B. (2026). Potential use of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) as Recycled Concrete Aggregate. Teknik Bilimler Dergisi, 16(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.35354/tbed.1768525

9. Du, Y., Gao, Z., Liu, C., Weng, Z., Ren, X., & Li, W. (2025). Comprehensive review on greenhouse gas emission assessment over the full life-cycle of pavement. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, Article e04407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04407
10. El, A. A., Yalçın, E., & Yılmaz, M. (2025). Investigation of design and performance characteristics of materials used in cement mortar mixtures designed for semi-rigid pavements. Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi, 13(2), 509–527. https://doi.org/10.21923/jesd.1630961
11. Erdoğan Yamaç, Ö., Yilmaz, M., Yalçin, E., Özdemir, A. M., Garcia-Hernandez, A., & Kök, B. V. (2025). Self-healing and mechanical properties of aged hot mix asphalt containing waste oil capsules. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50(16), 12827–12841. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-09574-6
12. Eren, Ç., Özen, H., Şahin, O., & Aygörmez, Y. (2025). Measurement of the performances of various asphalt mixtures on suspended steel deck bridge pavements. International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 18(3), 726–742. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42947-023-00378-9
13. Friber, M. A., Guimarães, A. C. R., Martins, C. A., & Soares, J. S. (2023). Study of the mining waste in the production of calcined aggregate for use in pavement. Minerals, 13(12), Article 1543. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121543
14. Gao, J., Wang, H., Bu, Y., You, Z., Zhang, X., & Irfan, M. (2020). Influence of coarse-aggregate angularity on asphalt mixture macroperformance: Skid resistance, high-temperature, and compaction performance. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 32, Article 04020095. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003125
15. Huang, L., Yang, Z., Li, Z., Xu, Y., & Yu, L. (2020). Recycling of the end-of-life lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) with a novel approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 275, Article 123099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123099
16. Hwang, C.-L., & Yoon, K. (1981). Methods for multiple attribute decision making. In C.-L. Hwang & K. Yoon (Eds.), Multiple attribute decision making: Methods and applications a state-of-the-art survey (pp. 58–191). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48318-9_3
17. İpek, M., Meral, Z., & Çelik, M. H. (2003). Sakarya Pamukova bölgesinden alınan yapay agrega (kırmataş) içerisindeki kil—silt miktarının deneysel olarak beton basınç dayanımına etkisi. Sakarya University Journal of Science, 7(3), 197–204.
18. Ji, J., Dong, Y., Zhang, R., Suo, Z., Guo, C., Yang, X., & You, Z. (2021). Effect of water absorption and loss characteristics of fine aggregates on aggregate-asphalt adhesion. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-021-1464-0
19. Kasil, H. B., & Çodur, M. Y. (2026). Remaining life approximation of hot mix asphalt pavement with the help of artificial neural networks. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.65206/pajes.46262
20. Kaya, E., & Algin, H. M. (2025). Efficiency of modular concrete-road elements subjected to heavy dynamic vehicular loads. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 0(0), 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2025.2524783
21. Köken, E., Top, S., & Özarslan, A. (2020). Assessment of rock aggregate quality through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 38(5), 5075–5096. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-020-01349-8
22. Li, J., Shang, M., Liu, G., Yang, T., Pan, Y., Zhou, J., & Zhao, Y. (2019). Two-step improvements of volumetric design method based on multi-point supported skeleton for asphalt mixtures. Construction and Building Materials, 217, 456–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.05.076
23. Li, W., Wang, D., Chen, B., Hua, K., Huang, Z., Xiong, C., & Yu, H. (2022). Preparation of artificial pavement coarse aggregate using 3D printing technology. Materials, 15(4), Article 1575. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041575
24. Lu, J.-X. (2023). Recent advances in high strength lightweight concrete: From development strategies to practical applications. Construction and Building Materials, 400, Article 132905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132905
25. Ma, J., Wang, X., Zhang, Z., Dai, G., Huo, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Performance analysis of industrial-waste-based artificial aggregates: CO2 uptake and applications in bituminous pavement. Buildings, 13(11), Article 2823. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112823
26. Mantalovas, K., Mino, G. D., Carrion, A. J. D. B., Keijzer, E., Kalman, B., Parry, T., & Presti, D. L. (2020). European National Road Authorities and circular economy: An insight into their approaches. Sustainability, 12(17), Article 7160. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12177160
27. Mondem, N., & Balunaini, U. (2024). Manufacturing artificial aggregates from overburden coal mine waste and their properties for pavement applications. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 36(7), Article 04024147. https://doi.org/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-17138
28. Oreto, C., Russo, F., Dell’Acqua, G., & Veropalumbo, R. (2024). A comparative environmental life cycle assessment of road asphalt pavement solutions made up of artificial aggregates. Science of The Total Environment, 927, Article 171716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171716
29. Ouma, Y. O., Opudo, J., & Nyambenya, S. (2015). Comparison of fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS for road pavement maintenance prioritization: Methodological exposition and case study. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2015(1), Article 140189. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/140189
30. Ren, P., Ling, T.-C., & Mo, K. H. (2021). Recent advances in artificial aggregate production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 291, Article 125215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125215
31. Revilla-Cuesta, V., Skaf, M., Faleschini, F., Manso, J. M., & Ortega-López, V. (2020). Self-compacting concrete manufactured with recycled concrete aggregate: An overview. Journal of Cleaner Production, 262, Article 121362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121362
32. Russo, F., Veropalumbo, R., Pontoni, L., Oreto, C., Biancardo, S. A., Viscione, N., Pirozzi, F., & Race, M. (2022). Sustainable asphalt mastics made up recycling waste as filler. Journal of Environmental Management, 301, Article 113826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113826
33. Saaty, T. L. (1980). The analytic hierarchy process: Planning, priority setting, resource allocation. McGraw-Hill International Book Company.
34. Sahin, O., & Aksoy, B. (2025). A combined AHP–TOPSIS-based decision support system for highway pavement type selection. Sustainability, 17(21), Article 9396. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219396
35. Schmitt, L., Levasseur, A., Vaillancourt, M., & Lachance-Tremblay, É. (2025). Life cycle assessment of various pavement rehabilitation techniques: A case study. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 139, Article 104476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2024.104476
36. Sharma, P., & Joshi, H. (2016). Utilization of electrocoagulation-treated spent wash sludge in making building blocks. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 13(1), 349–358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-015-0845-7
37. Singh, N., Raza, J., Colangelo, F., & Farina, I. (2024). Advancements in lightweight artificial aggregates: Typologies, compositions, applications, and prospects for the future. Sustainability, 16(21), Article 9329. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219329
38. Sreedhar, S., Coleri, E., Obaid, I., & Kumar, V. (2021). Development of a balanced mix design method in Oregon to improve long-term pavement performance. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2675, 036119812110322. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981211032222
39. Tataranni, P., & Sangiorgi, C. (2019). Synthetic aggregates for the production of innovative low impact porous layers for urban pavements. Infrastructures, 4(3), Article 48. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures4030048
40. Ünal, Ö. F. (2012). Performans değerlemede analitik hiyerarşi prosesi (AHP) uygulamaları. Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi, 7(1), 37–55.
41. Veropalumbo, R., Oreto, C., Viscione, N., Biancardo, S. A., & Russo, F. (2022). Environmental assessment of asphalt mastics containing plastic bottles and jet grouting waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 93, Article 106736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2022.106736
42. Wang, J., Zhang, R., Zhou, H., Huang, W., Feng, D., & Li, X. (2025). Optimization of asphalt mix design considering mixture performance, environmental impact, and life cycle cost. Journal of Cleaner Production, 512, Article 145618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145618
43. Wang, X. D., Zhang, L., Zhou, X. Y., Xiao, Q., Guan, W., & Shan, L. Y. (2020). Research progress of RIOHTRACK in China. Accelerated Pavement Testing to Transport Infrastructure Innovation - Proceedings of 6th APT Conference, 21–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55236-7_3
44. Widayanti, A., Soemitro, R. A. A., Ekaputri, J. J., & Suprayitno, H. (2021). Asphalt concrete mixture produced using reclaimed asphalt pavement and fly ash as artificial aggregate and filler. Jurnal Teknologi (Sciences ve Engineering), 83(4), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v83.16289
45. Winardi, A., Karyawan, I. D. M. A., & Anshari, B. (2022). Performance of artificial compared to natural coarse aggregates as road pavement materials. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(4), 1841–1846. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.2129
46. Xiao, J., Li, W., Fan, Y., & Huang, X. (2012). An overview of study on recycled aggregate concrete in China (1996–2011). Construction and Building Materials, 31, 364–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.12.074
47. Yalcin, E., Ince, R., & Yilmaz, M. (2025). Exploring activated carbon as an alternative to SBS in asphalt mixtures: Performance and fatigue analysis. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 121, 283–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2025.02.078
48. Yaro, N. S. A., Napiah, M., Sutanto, M. H., Usman, A., Jagaba, A. H., Mani, A. U., & Ahmad, A. (2022). Geopolymer utilization in the pavement industry—An overview. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1022(1), Article 012025. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1022/1/012025
49. Yu, H., Deng, G., Zhang, Z., Zhu, M., Gong, M., & Oeser, M. (2021). Workability of rubberized asphalt from a perspective of particle effect. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 91, Article 102712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2021.102712
50. Yu, H., Leng, Z., Dong, Z., Tan, Z., Guo, F., & Yan, J. (2018). Workability and mechanical property characterization of asphalt rubber mixtures modified with various warm mix asphalt additives. Construction and Building Materials, 175, 392–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.04.218
51. Yuliana, A, H., Made Alit Karyawan, I. D., Murtiadi, S., Ekaputri, J. J., & Ahyudanari, E. (2019). The effect of slope granulator on the characteristic of artificial geopolymer aggregate used in pavement. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 14, 1466–1481.
52. Zengin, D., Ceylan, H., & Haldenbilen, S. (2025). Rutting resistance in basalt fiber reinforced recycled asphalt pavement. Journal of Innovative Transportation, 6(2), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.53635/jit.1657042
53. Zhang, J., Zou, G., Tan, Y., Liu, X., Li, G., & Zhang, C. (2022). Investigating the effect of preheating conditions and size effect on asphalt blending in recycled asphalt mixture: New approach based on artificial aggregate and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Construction and Building Materials, 353, Article 129094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129094
54. Zhao, G., Hu, K., Du, X., Tao, X., & Chen, D. (2025). An accelerated carbonization approach to prepare wasted concrete powder based artificial aggregates for sustainable asphalt mixture. Construction and Building Materials, 463, Article 140114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140114