Multi-criteria evaluation of 3D-printed wood–PLA biocomposite L-shaped connectors for lightweight modular and demountable systems: An AHP–TOPSIS decision-support study
Journal of Building Engineering, cilt.132, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 132
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.117556
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Building Engineering
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: AHP–TOPSIS, Circular economy, FDM, L-shape connectors, Modular furniture, Sustainability assessment, Wood–PLA biocomposite
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Selecting connectors for modular furniture and demountable systems requires simultaneous consideration of mechanical performance, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability. This study evaluates wood flour-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) L-shaped connectors produced by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) against conventional metal and plastic alternatives using a hybrid Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)–Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) framework. Structural strength was represented by moment-capacity data from previously published diagonal compression tests, while economic feasibility was assessed using production/supply prices and environmental performance using a literature-supported ordinal sustainability framework. One-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of connector type on moment capacity (F(2,12) = 6.18, p = 0.014). Metal connectors had the highest mean moment capacity (10.648 Nm), followed by FDM Wood–PLA (9.453 Nm) and plastic connectors (8.805 Nm). Tukey's test placed the FDM connector in the same statistical subgroup as both metal and plastic connectors. In the baseline AHP–TOPSIS model, using total sustainability scores of 18, 10, and 6 for FDM wood–PLA, metal, and plastic connectors, respectively, the metal connector ranked first (Ci* = 0.571), followed by FDM wood–PLA (0.532) and plastic (0.407). Sensitivity analysis showed that FDM wood–PLA ranked first when sustainability was dominant, whereas plastic ranked first under cost-focused weighting. The findings indicate that FDM wood–PLA connectors may provide a competitive option for low-volume, customised modular applications where sustainability and design flexibility are important alongside moderate mechanical performance. The sustainability results should be interpreted as comparative decision support rather than quantitative life-cycle assessment.