Abstract:To address the challenge of selecting an optimal construction diversion scheme for reservoirs in mountainous areas characterized by narrow terrain and complex geological conditions, a multi-criteria comparative assessment and quantitative optimization study of diversion alternatives was conducted. A hybrid decision-making framework integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE), and Genetic Algorithm (GA) was established. The AHP-FCE approach was employed to determine the weights of key criteria, including technical feasibility and safety, and to quantitatively evaluate open-channel and tunnel diversion schemes. Subsequently, GA was introduced to perform global optimization of the cross-sectional parameters of the selected scheme. The results indicated that the open-channel diversion scheme achieved a comprehensive score of 83.2, outperforming the tunnel diversion scheme (71.4), and was thus identified as the optimal option. After GA-based optimization, the bottom width of the open channel was adjusted to 1.75 m and the channel depth to 2.35 m, resulting in a 12% reduction in concrete volume and a 7.8% decrease in overall cost. The proposed hybrid model enables a systematic decision-making process integrating qualitative comparison and quantitative parameter optimization for construction diversion.