Contractor selection for sgraffito decoration of cultural heritage buildings using the WASPAS-SVNS method

Abstract

Sgraffito is an ancient decorative technique applied in walls, produced by using layers of cement plaster tinted in contrasting colours to a moistened surface. This decoration originated in Italy and has been expanded in dierent European cities or villages. Nowadays, this decoration technique has almost disappeared because of decomposition, inexperience, or lack of knowledge. The preservation and restoration of the sgrato technique is the most challenging and vital task of cultural heritage buildings’ preservation. Consequently, the conservation of sgrato depends not only on the historical and architectural knowledge, studies, and conservation projects of the cultural heritage buildings, but also demands the experience, proper qualification, and knowledge of the contractor. This paper presents six principal criteria. Three possible variants for contractor selection for sgrato decoration of cultural heritage buildings are proposed, and six principal criteria for their evaluation are suggested. The research employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), SWARA (Step-WiseWeights Assessment Ratio Analysis), andWASPAS-SVNS (Weight Aggregated Sum Product Assessment-Single- Valued Neutrosophic Set) methods.