A Knowledge‐Based System for Planning a Construction Operation

Knowledge-based systems can be developed as an educational tool for inexperienced construction managers and students. Microcomputer expert-system shell programs can allow knowledgebased systems to be developed and used on the construction site. Construction experts can provide knowledge which can define the best crew size, expected productivity, and the effects of production bottlenecks. This information can be incorporated in a knowledge-base and used as an aid in determining when production problems are occurring in the field. This information can also be used in the pre-construction period by providing managers and estimators with expert knowledge of expected productivity and required crew size. A prototype expert system was developed for the construction of precast concrete structures. The rules were obtained from construction experts with extensive experience in this type of construction. The system provided advice concerning the best crew size to use based upon the construction site characteristics. The system also provided advice concerning expected productivity and the effects of production problems on productivity. The prototype model was developed using the INSIGHT 2 microcomputer expert-system shell program.