A Decision-Support Framework for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Maintenance Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Urban infrastructure maintenance is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability, safety, and performance of cities. However, many developing countries continue to rely on traditional maintenance approaches that are reactive and inefficient. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and climate change have placed significant pressure on infrastructure systems, highlighting the need for more sustainable and proactive maintenance strategies. This study develops a framework for sustainable urban infrastructure maintenance by integrating environmental, economic, resilience, and technological considerations. A qualitative research approach was adopted through a systematic review of secondary data from peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and infrastructure management studies. Key themes relating to sustainable infrastructure maintenance were identified and synthesised into a decision-support framework. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed as a multi-criteria decision-making tool to evaluate and prioritise maintenance strategies. The analysis considered four main criteria: environmental impact, economic efficiency, resilience and adaptability, and technology integration. Results from the AHP analysis indicate that environmental impact is the most influential criterion, while climate-resilient infrastructure emerged as the highest-ranked maintenance strategy. The study demonstrates how multi-criteria decision-making techniques can effectively support the development of sustainable infrastructure maintenance frameworks. The proposed framework provides practical guidance for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners seeking to improve infrastructure resilience and sustainability in rapidly urbanising regions.