Expert System for Asphalt‐Paving Construction Inspection

Abstract

A knowledge‐based expert system has been developed to aid in the construction of asphalt pavements. The goal of the expert system is to provide advice to inexperienced inspectors concerning how to identify and correct deficiencies in the asphalt construction operation. Major advice areas included in the expert system are paving techniques, compaction, quality control, and weather limitations. The expert system was developed from information provided by New York State Department of Transportation paving experts. The knowledge base was developed using a shell program capable of inducing rules from example tables. Information derived from interviews with experts was input in the form of examples. The expert system was developed on an IBM‐compatible personal computer. Initial use of the system has been as a tutorial for inexperienced paving inspectors. Development of the expert system indicates the feasibility of using expert systems at the construction site to improve the quality of construction.