Alkoc, E and Erbatur, F (1998) Site expert: A prototype knowledge-based expert system. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(3), pp. 238-251. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
The present paper reports on the development of SITE EXPERT: a prototype knowledge-based expert system. It is an advisory system. SITE EXPERT is intended to be used for productivity improvement in construction and provides advice on: (1) the productivity of three basic operations of construction, i.e. pouring and placing of concrete, erection and removal of formwork, and fixing reinforcement; and (2) human resources and site layout as productivity factors. The system uses information from construction experts, text books, data recorded at construction sites and the engineer's own knowledge, as well as knowledge obtained by running simulation models. In the present paper, the development, operation and evaluation of the prototype system is described. The results of this prototype system development demonstrate that artificial intelligence methodologies provide powerful facilities for capturing information about construction processes and advising the practitioners of construction on productivity improvement within a computer format close to human reasoning.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | expert system; productivity; knowledge-based system; concrete; site operation |
| Index terms: | placing, reinforcement, site operation, artificial intelligence, productivity, knowledge-based system, engineer, formwork, human resource, methodology, construction process, practitioner, expert system, reasoning, site layout, construction site, prototype |
| Subjects: | work location, building materials, operations management, modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence, site logistics, profession, practitioner, data management, cognitive psychology, building construction, management, concrete and cementitious materials, research methods |
| Topics: | Site Management, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Roles and Professions, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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