Page 86 - Built Expressions - Online Construction Magazine - November 2014 Issue

Hulk Mechanised requires prediction as Selecting a crane, to the consequences Computerized Crane of the choice that is to be made. A wrong decision is likely to have signifcant effects in terms of high cost and possible delays. omputerized rane Selection for Construction Projects by- Sabah Alkass, Mohamed Alhussein, and Osama Moselhi, School For Building, Concordia University, Montreal Canada Experts knowledge has been captured, classifed and coded in the system’s knowledge-base. The system integrates a knowledge-base with algorithmic programs, and commercially available tools such as: database management, spreadsheet applications, graphics and simulations. his paper describes a methodology for crane selection for construction projects. The methodology is incorporated into an integrated computer system capable of advising users on the selection of appropriate cranes for their Tconstruction projects. Expert’s knowledge has been captured, classifed and coded in the system’s knowledge-base. The system integrates a knowledge-base with algorithmic programs, and commercially available tools such as: database management, spreadsheet applications, graphics and simulations. The system utilizes Object Oriented Programming characteristics of the abstraction, inheritance, modularity, and encapsulation of data. The system allows for the stored data and knowledge to be accessed by all parties involved in the crane selection process. It is also capable of facilitating user friendly interface. Description of the methods and current practices used for crane(s) selection for construction projects is also presented. A case example is presented, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system. Introduction Material handling is an important part of the delivery process of construction projects, and cranes are the most important resources used in achieving this, specially on a building construction site. Selection of type(s), number(s), and location(s) of crane(s) to be used in constructing a high-rise building is a focal issue in planning the construction operations. Selecting cranes depends greatly on skilled judgment that accounts for all likely involved variables. Much information is available to assist in this process in the form of: work study data, manufacturers’ machines performance specifcations, guidelines on methods of calculating production output, labour resources and November 2014vember 2014 PG 86 Built Expressions V Vol: 3 Issue: 11ol: 3 Issue: 11 No