Title: A computer system for modelling the process of earthwork planning in linear construction projects and applying preferred techniques

Authors: Saad H. Al-Jibouri, Michael J. Mawdesley, Bill H. Askew, Dan E. Patterson

Addresses: Department of Construction Process Management, University of Twente, PO Box 217,7500 AE, Enschede, Netherlands. ' School of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. ' School of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. ' School of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Abstract: An investigation into current earthworks planning practice showed that the planning techniques used tend to be subjective and time consuming with a heavy reliance given to the experience and knowledge of the planner. This practice can lead to inaccurate planning and makes explanation of the techniques used difficult. In this paper, an approach to automate the earthworks planning process is described and the basic techniques that are used are outlined. A computer-based system has been developed to help planners use existing techniques more efficiently. With their input the system has been extended to incorporate a knowledge base and a simulation of the earthworks processes. As well as creating activity sets in a much shorter time, the system has shown that for a real project the model is able to generate activity sets that are comparable to those generated by a project planner.

Keywords: planning; linear projects; construction; earthworks; knowledge based system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2004.003838

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2004 Vol.20 No.1/2/3, pp.90 - 101

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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