Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Ferrada, X. and Serpell, A. (2013) Construction methods selection: a knowledge-based system, In: Hadju, M., Skibniewski, M. (Eds.) Proceedings Creative Construction Conference 2013, 6-9 July 2013, Budapest, Hungary, pp.:193-203. (2013)

CONSTRUCTION METHODS SELECTION: A KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEM

Revista : Proceedings Creative Construction Conference 2013
Tipo de publicación : Conferencia No A* ni A

Abstract

The appropriate selection of construction methods to be used during the execution of aconstruction project is a decisive factor for its suitable development and for the attainment ofits requirements. Since construction is a knowledge-intensive activity, this paper proposes aknowledge management approach that will enable the intelligent use of corporate experienceand information, and help to improve the selection of construction methods for a project. Thena knowledge-based system to support this decision-making process is proposed and described.To define and design the system, semi-structured interviews were conducted within threeconstruction companies with the purpose of studying the way that the methods’ selectionprocess is carried out in practice and the knowledge associated with it. Additionally, theinformation so obtained permitted the identification of existing knowledge gaps in the process.A prototype of a Construction Methods Knowledge System (CMKS) was developed and thenvalidated with construction industry professionals. The validation showed that the prototypeadequately responded to the needs of construction companies. It was considered useful andapplicable to construction projects. As a conclusion, the CMKS was perceived as a valuable toolfor construction methods’ selection, by helping companies to generate a corporate memory onthis issue, reducing the reliance on individual knowledge and also, the subjectivity of thedecision-making process. Therefore, the system can be used to improve the final methods’selection and reduce the chances of a bad decision in this way. The described benefits asprovided by the system favor a better performance of construction projects.