A Decision-Support System for Assessing Cross-Country Pipeline Systems: Approach Based on Evidential Reasoning and Cost–Benefit Analysis

This paper outlines a decision-support model based on Evidential Reasoning (ER) and Cost–Benefit-Analysis (CBA) to support the assessment of risk control measures for pipeline loss containment following third party damage. The identifies main Risk Control Options (RCOs) as basic attributes, which are grouped into three categories: technical or technological, governmental, managerial solutions. CBA examines costs associated with regarding human safety, economic environmental aspects that required reduce eliminate threat using RCOs. ER is chosen because its capability in dealing Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problems uncertainties, aggregation conflicting information hybrid nature information. corresponds challenges analyzing different often identified this study. results show attributes each decision, their effectiveness reducing failure likelihood, estimated cost attribute. study reduces complexity decision-making simple hierarchical output provide guidance infrastructure operator. makes it possible operator select one more reduction immediately see potential likelihood. Furthermore, provides knowledge budgetary expenditure implement