Author(s)

E. Bernard & P.R.C. Sardinha

Abstract

Concept and practice of expert systems in civil engineering E. Bernard! & P.R.C. Sardinha Civil Construction Division Computer Section, Sao Paulo State Institute of Technological Research, Brazil ABSTRACT Firstly, this paper gives an overview of general concepts of expert systems: their parts, when expert system building is justified and appropriate, and phases and tools necessary to develop them. Secondly, expert systems are associated with some basic characteristics of civil engineering problems, such as incompleteness and inaccuracy of data, multidisciplinary approaches and the need of complementary qualitative analysis. Examples of expert systems in many civil engineering branches such as structural, geotechnical and environmental engineering are cited. Finally, a practical experience of building an expert system demonstration prototype in flexible pavement maintenance domain is reported. INTRODUCTION Although in the beginning o

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