Williams, T P (1987) Knowledge-based productivity analysis of construction operations. PhD thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA.
Abstract
The application of knowledge-based expert systems to the productivity analysis of construction operations was studied in this research. Prototype knowledge-based systems were developed for the precast concrete erection construction operation. A diagnostic knowledge-based system, which gave advice concerning expected productivity and the effects of production problems on productivity was developed. A predictive knowledge-based system was also developed which used expert knowledge about productivity to predict the duration of the operation. The predictive knowledge-based system was found to give reasonable predictions of project duration. A SIMAN simulation model of the precast concrete construction operation was also developed to predict the duration of the operation. The input to the simulation model was derived from observations of installation durations at a precast concrete construction project. It was found that the knowledge-based system and simulation models produced similar estimates of project duration. A method of combining the simulation and knowledge-based expert systems was developed. Input to the simulation model was from expert knowledge of the construction operation. A prototype SIMAN model which had as input only expert information yielded accurate predictions of project duration, as well as providing an indication of the potential range of project durations for dynamic projects. The characteristics of construction operations which allow a modeling technique to be selected were explored. These characteristics indicate when it is most effective to apply knowledge-based expert systems, simulation or a combination of simulation and knowledge-based systems. The characteristics identified are: the availability of expertise, the complexity of the construction operation, required management information, the stochastic nature of the operation and the cyclic nature of the operation.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Kangari, R |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | complexity; construction operations; duration; knowledge-based system; precast concrete; productivity; simulation |
| Index terms: | prototype, complexity, construction project, expert system, knowledge-based system, productivity, construction operation, modelling, estimate, duration, precast concrete |
| Subjects: | management, systems engineering, project controls, data management, financial and cost management, artificial intelligence, building materials, modelling and simulation, production management, analytical methods, construction operations |
| Topics: | Construction Materials, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Site Management, Time Control, Project Management, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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