Expert System for Compactor Selection

Abstract

This paper describes an expert system that helps the construction or highway engineer choose the most appropriate compactor under a set of job conditions. Selecting the suitable compactor is affected by numerous field variables. Most of the time, the construction engineer uses his or her experience and intuition to choose a compactor. Expert systems are well suited for formulating and organizing this type of experience‐based knowledge. The system developed in this research takes into consideration the degree of compaction required, job size, soil type, plasticity, moisture conditions, and breakage of aggregates. Recommendations made by the expert system apply to jobs specified to standard AASHTO densities. The system can be used as a tutorial tool for inexperienced personnel. Guidelines have been provided for future work and development of a data base of compactor information.