Identification of the Factors for the Selection of Cement Brands by Construction Companies and Selection of Optimal Cement Brand using TOPSIS for Kathmandu Valley along with the Physical Strength Comparison of Various Cement Brands

Abstract

Cement comprises major proportion in any construction materials and the right selection of cement is equally important for construction companies. The objective of this research is to find the criteria used by the construction companies in cement selection and using the required criteria adopt TOPSIS (Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) as Multi Criteria Decision Making method for the selection of optimal cement brand among various cement brands for the construction projects in Kathmandu. Another objective is to find the physical characteristics of the selected cement brands in laboratory.

For the methodology, non-random sampling was adopted. Data were collected by questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, KII and Lab test. For physical characteristics comparison of cement brands, samples were collected from hardware shop and lab test were conducted in private lab.

For the factors in cement selection quality, ex-factory rate, credit-terms, delivery-time, relationship, self-clinker production, production-capacity, technology and financial-conditions were identified and ranked in relevant order. Six factors were chosen for TOPSIS for the six cement brands for Kathmandu valley. From TOPSIS, it was found Sarbottam cement is best suited for projects in Kathmandu valley in terms of physical strength Hongshi had the highest 3 and 7 days of compressive strength where as Sarbottam had highest 28 days strength. Maruti cement had longest setting time whereas United cement had shortest setting time. 28 days strength of all the cement were as per the NS 49whereas except for Maruti and Shivam, all the brands had strength as per IS 8112 criteria.

How to cite this article: Jha A, Dahal A. Identification of the Factors for the Selection of Cement Brands by Construction Companies and Selection of Optimal Cement Brand using TOPSIS for Kathmandu Valley along with the Physical Strength Comparison of Various
Cement Brands. J Adv Res Civil Envi Engr 2020; 7(3&4): 1-16.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2393.8307.202004