Knowledge Acquisition for Expert Systems in Construction
Abstract
The authors have investigated knowledge acquisition both by developing eight systems themselves and by involvement in a survey of 70 systems developed by others. They conclude that the key to successful expert system development lies in the organizational environment in which the application is undertaken. Hence development should be client led and problem oriented with clearly defined end users. Simple applications are more likely to be successful. Several knowledge elicitation techniques will be required for any given application. The authors have investigated unstructured and structured interviews, case histories, rule induction, observation, paper models (intermediate representations), iterative prototyping, use of published material and the problems of eliciting uncertain knowledge. A general approach to knowledge elicitation is suggested. Systems developed by the authors and described in the report include BREDAMP (building dampness diagnosis), CRANES (tower crane selection), BID/NO BID (bidding decision), MATSEL (boiler tube steel selection), RRES (aeroengine fault diagnosis) and GECES (alternator out-of-balance correction).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA203458
Entities
People
- Chris Cooper
- Geoffrey Trimble
Organizations
- Loughborough University