EXPERT SYSTEMS AND THE USE OF INFORMATION IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
The building industry, through its structure and its mandate, faces endemic information problems; expert systems are expected to impact positively. Expert systems are suited to situations of uncertainty; knowledge and reasoning are separated, allowing easier updating. Knowledge acquisition from human experts is difficult and problems of information reliability arise, suggesting the scope for cooperation between knowledge engineers and documentalists familiar with the domain. In building, prevailing conditions seem to indicate the appropriateness of expert systems, particularly during the design phase; however, written documentation and general research results are rarely consulted. This highlights the need for an information ‘refining’ stage between production and use. It is easier to set up expert systems for specialised sub‐domains; however, on‐going research is attempting to develop a comprehensive approach to project‐specific information that would be operational from initial design through to completed construction. Criteria for a comprehensive design information system can be listed.
Citation
DAVIDSON, C.H., DAVIDSON, P.L. and RUBERG, K. (1988), "EXPERT SYSTEMS AND THE USE OF INFORMATION IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 44 No. 2, pp. 91-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb026820
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1988, MCB UP Limited