A Decision-Support Framework for Process Diagnosis in Construction: A Case Study on Ceramic Tiling Systems

Abstract

Ceramic tiling is a labor-intensive system used worldwide, involving multiple stages, inputs, and tools, characterized by the high consumption of human and material resources, low productivity, and significant waste generation. The present work aims to develop and evaluate a framework for selecting alternatives in the civil construction sector, which was validated with a case study on finishing systems to replace ceramic tilings in water-exposed areas. The diagnostic stage was conducted using value stream mapping, the Ishikawa diagram, and the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats matrix in a case study involving two residential buildings developed by a Brazilian construction company. The selection of alternatives was based on the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method. The results identified bottlenecks and risks in the execution of ceramic tilings, with the most critical activity being the cutting process. Seven alternative ceramic tiling categories were identified and classified using the proposed structure: monolithic; prefabricated; modular; adhesive; interlocking; adhesive-interlocking; and magnetic. The epoxy resin system (monolithic) emerged as the optimum option. In addition, modulation strategies for the traditional system were proposed, resulting in an execution process that could be 27.2% faster, generating up to 97.6% less waste. The results validated the framework and demonstrated its practical applications in the construction industry.