An Expert System for Preliminary Ground Improvement Selection

by Farid Motamed, Leighton and Associates, Santa Ana, United States,
Guillermo Salazar, Leighton and Associates, Santa Ana, United States,
Robert D'Andrea, Leighton and Associates, Santa Ana, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Geotechnical Engineering Congress?1991

Abstract:

Ground Improvement is an area which has rapidly advanced in the past two decades. Most of the work has resulted from experience in field work. Thus experience has played a vital role in the selection of the most suitable ground improvement techniques given specific conditions. Knowledge Based Expert Systems have shown potential in civil engineering as tools in aiding in the decision making process where experienced judgment is required. This paper describes the development and use of an Expert System for Preliminary Ground Improvement Selection (ESPGIS). This is a menu driven system that advises the user in selecting a ground improvement method or evaluates the suitability of a user's preselected method given the characteristics of the site. It also allows the user to specify different levels of uncertainty related to the input parameters. The knowledge of the system was obtained from engineers, practitioners, technical journals, and contractors literature. Expert system building tools were carefully evaluated keeping in mind the problem domain, the hardware availability and compatibility requirements, and the nature of the sources of knowledge and information. ESPGIS was coded and gradually validated through case studies and user feedback.

Subject Headings: Soil stabilization | Expert systems | Knowledge-based systems | Systems engineering | Uncertainty principles | Site investigation | Construction sites

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