SightPlan Model for Site Layout

Abstract

A model that uses artificial intelligence programming techniques is presented as a new tool for layout designers. This model, named SightPlan, represents the layout process as well as the layout product. A description of the knowledge and problem‐solving method is given of the SightPlan system that mimics the actions of a human layout designer. SightPlan lays out temporary facilities, represented as rectangles, on a construction site, represented as a two‐dimensional space. An early‐commitment strategy and spatial constraint satisfaction techniques are used to find unique positions for facilities among those already in place. An example run in which SightPlan is applied to a case‐study project illustrates how the program operates in stand‐alone mode. SightPlan demonstrates that knowledge‐based systems can successfully address problems not adequately modeled until now and, thus, opens up a new way of thinking about computer‐aided decision support for the construction industry. The present system is a prototype, however. Additional work must be done before SightPlan will be ready for field use and useful to field practitioners.