Prioritization of Passive Defense Strategies Using Strategic Planning Model and Multi-Criteria Decision Making Method (FAHP): A Case Study of Urban Water Supply and Distribution Systems

In this paper, a methodology is suggested to prioritize passive defense strategies of urban water infrastructures using strategic planning model and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods, and the applicability of proposed methodology is demonstrated in a case study. At first, by means of strategic planning tools such as SWOT analysis, external and internal factors which are effective in system’s performance are identified and passive defense strategies are selected based on the analysis of current situation. Then, using questionnaire approach and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method, strategies are prioritized based on decision-makers viewpoints. The results of the model are verified by means of experts and major decision-maker's viewpoints. In the case study, passive defense strategies are prioritized for a part of an urban water supply and distribution system in a hypothetical region in Tehran. The aim of the case study is to select an alternative water supply system in the case of destruction of region’s main water tank caused by bomb attacks. Selected strategies are making bottled water booths, building a buried water tank, building rainwater harvesting system for houses and distribution of water by trucks. The results of fuzzy decision-making model show that building a buried water tank and building rainwater harvesting system for houses achieve first and last rank, respectively.