In the heart of Belgrade, Serbia, at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about sustainable construction materials, particularly in the mining industry. Led by Miloš Gligorić, a pioneering researcher in the field, this innovative work introduces a novel decision-making model that could revolutionize how engineers select materials for underground mining operations.
Gligorić’s research, published in the journal Buildings, focuses on the critical task of choosing the most suitable concrete mixtures for supporting and backfilling activities in underground mines. This is no small feat, given the unique challenges and environmental considerations of underground construction. “The optimal selection of sustainable construction materials is one of the key tasks for underground mining engineers,” Gligorić emphasizes. “Our goal was to develop a robust model that could help engineers make informed decisions, balancing environmental sustainability with operational efficiency.”
The heart of Gligorić’s approach lies in the integration of two innovative methods: CRIFFT and SPHERA. CRIFFT, a new objective weighting method, determines the importance of various criteria in the decision-making process. SPHERA, on the other hand, ranks the possible alternatives, finding the most reliable solution. Together, they form the CRIFFT-SPHERA decision-making framework, a tool designed to navigate the complexities of sustainable material selection.
But what sets this model apart? The fusion of physics and geometry into decision-making models. CRIFFT uses a free-fall analogy to determine the objective weights of criteria, while SPHERA employs geometric sphericity as a metaphor for ranking alternatives. This unique approach not only enhances the model’s accuracy but also its reliability, as demonstrated through extensive numerical calculations and sensitivity analyses.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Underground mining is a cornerstone of the energy industry, and the efficient use of sustainable materials can significantly reduce environmental impact. By providing a reliable tool for material selection, Gligorić’s model can help mining companies meet stringent environmental regulations while maintaining operational efficiency.
Moreover, the model’s versatility extends beyond the mining industry. Its application in various sectors, from civil engineering to construction, underscores its potential to drive sustainable development across multiple industries. “Our findings can help companies create strategic business plans focused on sustainable development,” Gligorić notes. “This is not just about choosing the right material; it’s about building a sustainable future.”
The study’s validation through real-world problems and comparative analyses further solidifies its effectiveness. The model’s high correlation with other MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision-Making) methods and its sensitivity to criteria weight changes demonstrate its robustness and adaptability. This research, published in the journal Buildings, marks a significant step forward in the field of sustainable construction materials.
As we look to the future, Gligorić’s work paves the way for further innovation. The integration of fuzzy sets, stochastic differential equations, and simulation optimization procedures could enhance the model’s ability to handle uncertain data and dynamic criteria. Additionally, the potential to incorporate traditional and novel MCDM methods into hybrid models opens new avenues for research and application.
In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, Gligorić’s research offers a beacon of hope. By providing a reliable tool for sustainable material selection, it empowers engineers and decision-makers to build a greener, more efficient future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study will undoubtedly shape the way we approach underground construction and beyond.