Knowledge‐Based Prototype for Improving Scheduling Productivity

Abstract

The development of efficient construction plans and schedules presents continuing challenges to construction schedulers. Knowledge‐based systems offer considerable potential as computer‐based planning tools to aid the development of realistic project plans and schedules. This paper outlines the development of a knowledge‐based prototype system for construction planning and scheduling and evaluates its effectiveness as a tool for improving the productivity of inexperienced construction project schedulers. The prototype, developed using the M.1 knowledge engineering shell, incorporates data bases, algorithm, and heuristics that mimic the decision process of expert construction project schedulers and identifies a work breakdown structure and precedence relationships. Inexperienced schedulers using the prototype system to plan and schedule the construction of a particular type of reinforced concrete building recorded significant improvements in scheduling performance. These results confirm the system's effectiveness and support the further development of knowledge‐based systems as tools for improving the productivity of the construction industry.