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Construction is a highly dynamic environment with numerous interacting factors that affect construction processes and decisions. Uncertainty is inherent in most aspects of construction engineering and management, and traditionally, it has been treated as a random phenomenon. However, there are many types of uncertainty that are not naturally modelled by probability theory, such as subjectivity, ambiguity and vagueness. Fuzzy logic provides an approach for handling such uncertainties. However, fuzzy logic alone has some limitations, including its inability to learn from data and its extensive reliance on expert knowledge. To address these limitations, fuzzy logic has been combined with other techniques to create fuzzy hybrid techniques, which have helped solve complex problems in construction. In this chapter, a background on fuzzy logic in the context of construction engineering and management applications is presented. The chapter provides an introduction to uncertainty in construction and illustrates how fuzzy logic can improve construction modelling and decision-making. The role of fuzzy logic in representing uncertainty is contrasted with that of probability theory. Introductory material is presented on key definitions, properties and methods of fuzzy logic, including the definition and representation of fuzzy sets and membership functions, basic operations on fuzzy sets, fuzzy relations and compositions, defuzzification methods, entropy for fuzzy sets, fuzzy numbers, methods for the specification of membership functions and fuzzy rule-based systems. Finally, a discussion on the need for fuzzy hybrid modelling in construction applications is presented, and future research directions are proposed.

In the era of common digitalization and far reaching progress in the field of cybernetics, it is necessary to use the knowledge and experience in military cybernetics applications. In the field of machines, control fuzzy expert inference systems open new horizons and possibilities. Generally, the main affect of human efforts in the case of artificial intelligence is to create a machine with a set of behaviors and attitudes that would allow it to work independently, with ability to adjust to changing environmental conditions and an advisory role in the decision-making process. It should be noted that this technology used in some cases has already produced successful results. This paper aims to describe how the fuzzy expert inference membership function shapes influence analysis on selected air tasks efficiency evaluation results. Presented results prove that proper fuzzy membership functions shape selection has fundamental influence on aircraft system level of efficiency evaluation (its calculation accuracy). Using this technology in military aviation air tasks efficiency evaluation aspects is pioneer.

In the era of common digitalization and far reaching progress in the field of cybernetics, it is necessary to use the knowledge and experience in the domain of cybernetics in military applications. Artificial intelligence that so much influences on the imagination of scholars actually opens new horizons when it comes to control the machines. Relatively recently, it is introduced for military applications such departments of artificial intelligence as fuzzy logic, expert systems and fuzzy control theory.

In this paper, fuzzy expert inference membership function shapes influence analysis on selected air tasks efficiency evaluation results are described. Presented results prove that proper fuzzy membership functions shape selection has fundamental influence on aircraft system level of efficiency evaluation (its calculation accuracy).

The issue solved in the paper is based on application of theoretical results in practice. The paper can be estimated to bridge the gap between theory and practice in specific field.

Using this technology in military aviation air tasks efficiency evaluation aspects is pioneer.

This paper presents a VHDL‐AMS based genetic optimisation methodology for fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) used in complex automotive systems and modelled in mixed physical domains. A case study applying this novel method to an active suspension system has been investigated to obtain a new type of fuzzy logic membership function with irregular shapes optimised for best performance.

The geometrical shapes of the fuzzy logic membership functions are irregular and optimised using a genetic algorithm (GA). In this optimisation technique, VHDL‐AMS is used not only for the modelling and simulation of the FLC and its underlying active suspension system but also for the implementation of a parallel GA directly in the system testbench.

Simulation results show that the proposed FLC has superior performance in all test cases to that of existing FLCs that use regular‐shape, triangular or trapezoidal membership functions.

The test of the FLC has only been done in the simulation stage, no physical prototype has been made.

This paper proposes a novel way of improving the FLC's performance and a new application area for VHDL‐AMS.

This study aims to propose a facilitating methodology for the application of Fuzzy FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis), comparing the traditional approach with fuzzy variations, supported by a case application in the aeronautical sector.

Based on experts' opinions in risk analysis within the aeronautical sector, rules governing the relationship between severity, occurrence, detection and risk factor were defined. This served as input for developing a fuzzyfied FMEA tool using the Matlab Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. The tool was applied to the sealing process in a company within the aeronautical sector, using triangular and trapezoidal membership functions, and the results were compared with the traditional FMEA approach.

The results of the comparative application of traditional FMEA and fuzzyfied FMEA using triangular and trapezoidal functions have yielded valuable insights into risk analysis. The findings indicated that fuzzyfied FMEA maintained coherence with the traditional analysis in identifying higher-risk effects, aligning with the prioritization of critical failure modes. Additionally, fuzzyfied FMEA allowed for a more refined prioritization by accounting for variations in each variable through fuzzy rules, thereby improving the accuracy of risk analysis and providing a more realistic representation of potential hazards. The application of the developed fuzzyfied FMEA approach showed promise in enhancing risk assessment in the aeronautical sector by considering uncertainties and offering a more detailed and context-specific analysis compared to conventional FMEA.

This study emphasizes the potential of fuzzyfied FMEA in enhancing risk assessment by accurately identifying critical failure modes and providing a more realistic representation of potential hazards. The application case reveals that the proposed tool can be integrated with expert knowledge to improve decision-making processes and risk mitigation strategies within the aeronautical industry. Due to its straightforward approach, this facilitating methodology could also prove beneficial in other industrial sectors.

This paper presents the development and application of a facilitating methodology for implementing Fuzzy FMEA, comparing it with the traditional approach and incorporating variations using triangular and trapezoidal functions. This proposed methodology uses the Toolbox Fuzzy Logic of Matlab to create a fuzzyfied FMEA tool, enabling a more nuanced and context-specific risk analysis by considering uncertainties.

Due to the ever increasing concern toward sustainability, suppliers nowadays are evaluated on the basis of environmental performances. The data on supplier’s performance are not always available in quantitative form and evaluating supplier on the basis of qualitative data is a challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for the selection of suppliers by evaluating them on the basis of both quantitative and qualitative data.

Literature on sustainability, green supply chain and lean practices related to supplier selection is critically reviewed. Based on this, a two phase fuzzy goal programming approach integrating hyperbolic membership function is proposed to solve the complex supplier selection problem.

Results obtained through the proposed approach are compared to the traditional models (Jadidi et al., 2014; Ozkok and Tiryaki, 2011; Zimmermann, 1978) of supplier selection and were found to be optimal as it achieves higher aspiration level.

The proposed model is adaptive to solve real world problems of supplier selection as all criteria do not possess the same weights, so the managers can change the criteria and their weights according to their requirement.

This paper provides the decision makers a robust framework to evaluate and select sustainable supplier based on both quantitative and qualitative data. The results obtained through the proposed model achieve greater satisfaction level as compared to those achieved by traditional methods.

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method to optimize the electro chemical machining process parameters for titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V).

The desirability function analysis (DFA), fuzzy set theory with trapezoidal membership function and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method are used to optimize the electro chemical machining process parameters for titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). In recent years, the utilization of titanium and its alloys, especially of Ti6Al4V materials, in many different engineering fields has undergone a tremendous increase. The ECM process has a potential in the machining of Ti6Al4V. The machining parameters such as electrolyte concentration, current, applied voltage and feed rate with multiple responses such as material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) are considered. Experimental work is carried out on Ti6Al4V using second order central composite rotatable design. The two responses are converted into global knit quality index using DFA. Fuzzy set theory with trapezoidal membership function is used to convert all machining parameters and responses into fuzzy values. Then a TOPSIS approach which determines the optimal machining parameters in terms of higher closeness coefficient is proposed to optimize the machining parameters of ECM for titanium alloy. Finally, ANOVA is performed to investigate the significance of each machining parameter and to identify the most influencing factor which affects the process responses.

The optimal machining parameters for ECM process are determined using desirability function analysis, fuzzy set theory and TOPSIS.

A new method is proposed to optimize the electro chemical machining process parameters for titanium alloy.

The main objective of this study is to compare the service quality of two retail chains of hypermarkets, namely, Big Bazaar and Spencer's, using the trapezoidal fuzzy approach.

Customers from Big Bazaar and Spencer's of Andhra Pradesh, India, have been surveyed through a well-designed questionnaire. The study attempts to compare the service quality of two major retail giants (Spencer's and Big Bazaar) in Andhra Pradesh by using the trapezoidal fuzzy approach to prioritize the attributes of service quality of retail outlets.

The result of the study indicates that the expectations of Big Bazar customers are higher as compared to Spencer's. Further, the study reveals – that Spencer's need to improve in the dimension of tangibility while Big Bazar needs to focus more on responsiveness.

As the data taken for the study are primary in nature, chances of bias may arise on the part of respondents, which may affect the validity of results. Further, the study is confined to two retail stores in Andhra Pradesh, India only, which may not reflect the broader picture.

Retailers may provide more importance to two major service quality dimensions, i.e. tangibility and responsiveness while preparing for their service and marketing strategies.

As the study relates to the comparative analysis of service quality of Big Bazar and Spencer's, the findings will be of additional value to these specific retailers. Therefore, it is expected that this study will fill the gap in the literature by prioritizing the expectations and perceptions of customers of Big Bazar and Spencer's.

Fuzzy-based metaheuristic algorithm is used to optimize the fuzzy controllers for the nonlinear level control system subject to uncertainty specially in the main actuator that has lost effectiveness (LOE). To optimize the fuzzy controller, type-1 harmonic search (HS) and interval type-2 (HS) will be used.

The type-1 and type-2 fuzzy-based HS algorithms are designed for optimization of fuzzy controllers for Fault-Tolerant Control (FTC) applications, and this research proposes a fuzzy-based HS metaheuristic method. The performance of a fuzzy logic-based HS algorithm applied to a nonlinear two-tank level control process with a main actuator that has lost effectiveness (LOE) and also the same controller will be tested on DC motor angular position control with and without noise.

The key contribution of this work is the discovery of the best approach for generating an optimal vector of values for the fuzzy controller's membership function optimization. This is done in order to improve the controller's performance, bringing the process value of the two-tank level control process closer to the target process value (set point). It is worth noting that the type-1 fuzzy controller that has been optimized is an interval type-2 fuzzy system, which can handle more uncertainty than a type-1 fuzzy system.

The type-1 and type-2 fuzzy-based HS algorithms are designed for optimization of fuzzy controllers for FTC applications, and this research proposes a fuzzy-based HS metaheuristic method. The performance of a fuzzy logic-based HS algorithm applied to a nonlinear two-tank level control process with a main actuator that has LOE will be tested on DC motor angular position control with noise. Two nonlinear uncertain processes are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the fuzzy reliability of the compressor house unit (CHU) system in a coal fired thermal power plant under vague environment by reducing the accumulating phenomenon of fuzziness and accelerating the computation process. This paper uses different fuzzy membership functions to quantify uncertainty and access the system reliability in terms of different fuzzy reliability indices having symmetric shapes.

This study analyses the fuzzy reliability of the CHU system in a coal fired thermal power plant using T_ω-based generalized fuzzy Lambda-Tau (TBGFLT) technique. This approach applies fault tree, Lambda-Tau method, different fuzzy membership functions and α-cut coupled T_ω-based approximate arithmetic operations to compute various reliability parameters (such as failure rate, repair time, mean time between failures, expected number of failures, availability and reliability) of the system. The effectiveness of TBGFLT technique has been demonstrated by comparing the results with results obtained from four different existing techniques. Moreover, this paper applies the extended Tanaka et al. (1983) approach to rank the critical components of the system when different membership functions are used.

The adopted TBGFLT technique in the present study improves the shortcomings of the existing approaches by reducing the accumulating phenomenon of fuzziness, accelerating the computation process and getting symmetric shapes for computed reliability parameters when different membership functions are used to quantify data uncertainty.

In existing fuzzy reliability techniques which are developed for repairable systems either triangular fuzzy numbers, triangle vague sets or triangle intuitionistic fuzzy sets have been used for quantifying uncertainty. These approaches do not examine the systems for components with different membership functions. The present study is an effort in this direction and evaluates the fuzzy reliability of the CHU system in a coal fired thermal power plant for components with different membership functions. This is the main contribution of the paper.