APPLYING THE AHP IN HEAVY CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK-BASED DECISION-MAKING

The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a structured decision-making tool widely used in business and policy contexts, yet it remains underutilized in heavy civil infrastructure. Given the complexity and multi-dimensional nature of many civil projects, AHP offers a valuable framework for evaluating competing priorities and alternatives. This presentation explores how AHP was applied on the Walk Bridge replacement project in Norwalk, CT, a major rail infrastructure initiative on the Northeast Corridor. The project team employed AHP during the design phase to support two key decisions:

• Swing Span Replacement Risk Analysis: AHP was integrated with a traditional risk register to assess two critical swing span replacement options. This hybrid approach enabled a risk-informed comparison that balanced technical feasibility, schedule, and operational impacts.
• Alternative Evaluation Framework: AHP was used to compare three design alternatives, incorporating criteria such as construction impacts to rail operations, long-term operability, navigational constraints, cost, and schedule.

Attendees will gain insight into how AHP can enhance decision making in complex infrastructure projects, with a focus on its integration with risk analysis and its practical application to the Walk Bridge’s swing span evaluation.

Presented By Speakers: Michael Mendick (CTDOT) & Matthew Paradis (HNTB)

Mike Mendick is a District Engineer with Connecticut Department of Transportation and is responsible for the contract administration of capital construction projects for Public Transit and Major Facilities throughout the State. Notable projects in the New Haven Railyard Facilities Improvement Program, CTfastrak, Connecticut’s first Bus Rapid Transit system, as well as the WALK bridge program, a $2B program replacing the oldest movable span on the Northeast Corridor. Mr. Mendick holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, is a licensed professional engineer and a Certified Construction Manager with 29 years in the industry.

Matthew Paradis is a licensed Professional Engineer (CA, CT, NY) and Certified Construction Manager with over 20 years of experience in bridge design, construction, and delivery at HNTB. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University and specializes in leading multidisciplinary teams on complex infrastructure projects. Matt currently serves as project integrator for the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement in Maryland and played a key role in the design of the Walk Bridge replacement in Norwalk, Connecticut. His expertise includes structural engineering, program and alternative delivery, and design services during construction, with a focus on risk planning and mitigation. Matt is also committed to mentoring emerging engineers and views each project as an opportunity to strengthen the profession.