A fuzzy regression analysis for the construction cost estimation of wastewater treatment plants (I) theoretical development

Abstract

To achieve the water pollution control policy at both the national and local levels, engineering projects regarding the construction of sewer system and wastewater treatment plants have been launched in many regions. But the fuzzy structure of construction cost, where human estimation is influential, may result in an impediment of economic feasibility in decision making. Therefore, an understanding of the track of previous development of wastewater treatment in Taiwan, and of the related construction and operating cost structures of these facilities, becomes helpful in creating a valuable management strategy. This paper developes a new cost estimation approach: the modified fuzzy goal regression model. It specifically demonstrates how the fuzzy regression analyses can be established through the use of fuzzy goal programming techniques in a flexible manner.

Key words:

• fuzzy regression
• forecasting
• cost model