Sirajuddin, A M Y (1991) An automated project planner. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham, UK.
Abstract
This thesis describes an investigation into the possibility and practicality of construction project planning utilizing Knowledge Based Systems, Site Layout and Resource Schedule concepts. Current Expert System planning tools are mainly based on network planning methods. A management technique is presented which does not rely on any network method. Artificial intelligence techniques are combined with this technique to provide a knowledge based computer model which can be used for the programming of construction projects. The method is based on grid formatted project data in which the project site is divided into small square or rectangular elements. Each element forms a column of finished construction work. Engineering knowledge of construction methods and techniques is formulated in IF . . . THEN rules and stored in knowledge files. This knowledge is then used to replace the finished construction work in the grid elements with the intermediate work activities that produce the final product. Another knowledge file is used to organise the tasks in the grid element into the logical construction order that is usually followed when tasks are performed on the site. To produce a plan of work for the grid formatted project, the grid elements are grouped into workable areas according to the work type and location. A scheduler then produces a plan of work by allocating resource teams to the grouped elements. Resources are allocated according to a defined priority such as cost, availability and work type. Each resource team will be available to be rescheduled as soon as it finishes the required work. The performance of the method and the program model are measured using several tests. These are designed to measure the ability of the program to generate and organize the required intermediate subtasks, measure the computer speed and memory requirements with respect to the grid size, verify the use of the knowledge base in different project types, discuss the feasibility of scheduling real projects and compare these schedules with human developed schedules. Conclusions and Recommendations for future work are also presented.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | artificial intelligence; expert system; programming; project planning; scheduler; scheduling; site layout |
| Index terms: | plan of work, project planning, program, construction project, finishes, expert system, programming, project data, column, construction method, knowledge base, scheduler, scheduling, site layout, artificial intelligence, construction work, investigation, planner, knowledge-based system, planning method |
| Subjects: | programming, practitioner, urban planning, operations management, operations research, site logistics, structural engineering, production management, building construction, data collection methods, profession, control systems, building materials, artificial intelligence, software systems, data management, information systems |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Governance, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Time Control, Site Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here