Ranking structural analysis software applications using AHP and Shannon’s entropy

Abstract

This paper aims to compare the ranking of ten structural analysis software applications in terms of six factors: Standardization, Reliability, Longevity, Usability, Price, and Functionality. The study surveyed structural design engineers from various countries around the world, collecting their opinions on the relative importance between the six factors. The respondents were also asked to score ten structural analysis programs for each of the six factors. The factor weights were derived using two methods: Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and a hybrid method that combines AHP with Shannon’s entropy. The weighted average of the scores was then used to rank the preference of the programs. The results indicate that the factors of most concern for users are Reliability and Functionality, while Price was of the least concern. Significant differences in preferences were also between certain groups based on location and years of experience. The programs can be classified into three groups: one program that is highly favored, a set of programs that are “Above Average”, and a set of programs that are “Average”.

Keywords

• structural analysis
• software
• functionality
• reliability
• ahp