Page 88 - Built Expressions - Online Construction Magazine - November 2014 Issue

typepad.com Hulk Mechanised The frst being a Knowledge- Based module that contains experts knowledge, heuristics and rules of thumb related to cranes selection. The second is a Case-Based module containing information on various cases representing already constructed buildings with pre selected crane(s). It is also capable of facilitating user friendly interface. Knowledge based systems and their various applications in construction have been extensively described in the literature, [2, 3, 4, 5]. They have been used for equipment selection [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]. Very few attempts in developing computer modules for crane selection and their use have been reported in the literature [13, 14, 15, 16, 17]. design professionals, crane operators, Prototyping and crane manufacturers. This This involved the development of a Knowledge Acquisition grouping simplifed the process of knowledge-based prototype at an early The effectiveness of any knowledge accumulation and codifcation of stage of the knowledge acquisition based system depends on the the knowledge. Two methods of process. Information and knowledge amount and quality of knowledge knowledge acquisition procedures collected from experts were classifed, stored in its knowledge base. This were used: structured interviews, and coded, and represented in a prototype knowledge is acquired from experts prototyping. module. This module was presented and stored in the Knowledge-Base to the experts for criticism, feed by the knowledge engineer during Structured Interviews back and to test its effectiveness. the knowledge acquisition stage of Experts were asked to describe the The demonstration of the prototype the system’s development. Experts crane selection process with the proved to be valuable since it helped from the domain of crane selection emphasis on the factors affecting their in revealing new knowledge. The were identifed, their knowledge was selection. It was found that, decisions procedure was repeated until the solicited during interview sessions. made at various stages had to be system was fnally approved by the During this work, 30 professionals tested in the light of discrepancies experts. considered to be experts in the area bound to arise between the experts. of the crane selection, were classifed All decisions require prediction as to Knowledge Acquisition Findings into groups based on their areas of the consequences of the choice that is The objectives of this research work specialization: general contractors, to be made. The decision could some was to study the current practices of rental companies, project managers, times be restricted by the company’s the crane selection used on high-rise government authorities, training interests, making different experts building projects, investigating the institutions and instructors, expert with to have different point of view in the factors affecting the crane selection, and academic and practical background, process. modeling the process in a computerized PG 88 Built Expressions Vol: 3 Issue: 11 November 2014