COMPUTER-AIDED EQUIPMENT SELECTION FOR TRANSPORTING AND PLACING CONCRETE

This paper describes the ingredients of an integrated computer-system environment for concreting operations. The ingredients include a descr iption of the integration process between expert system and other mana gement software, such as data base and spreadsheet; an operational def inition of concreting operations; a model of the decision-making proce ss; an explanation of how concreting methods and equipment selection m ay be presented; the factors that need to be considered; and a represe ntation of construction expertise. These ingredients are illustrated u sing a prototype integrated computer system called Expert System Advis or for Concrete Placing (ESCAP), which assists in planning and control ling concrete-placing operations. Expert knowledge acquired from plann ing engineers and equipment specialists was structured in a form suita ble for manipulation by the system. The equipment-selection process no rmally requires complex managerial decisions. These decisions have bee n the bases in developing the system. The system has considerable valu e in assisting less experienced personnel in reaching such decisions.