D T IC ICSeptember

1 D T IC USACERL Technical Manuscript P-91/54. Di ICSeptember 1991. US Army Corps of Engineers S EC2, 99Y. EC 0. construction Engineering Research Laboratory C. AD-A243 662. Factors for Generating Initial construction Schedules by Diego Echeverry This report outlines a Knowledge-Based Systems (KBS). approach to acquiring, formalizing, and representing construction scheduling knowledge. This process formalizes key factors that experienced schedulers use to develop initial construction schedules. This study focused on identifying the factors used to logically sequence construction activities. Four such major factors are: (1) physical relationships among building components ( , supported-by, embedded-in, etc.)

2 ; (2)interaction among crews, equipment, materials, etc.; (3) requirement of an interference-free path for components and their installation; and (4) code regulations that ensure the safety of construction operations and the ability to supervise and inspect installed components. These factors were used to develop a KBS prototype, CASCH, (Computer-assisted Scheduling) computer program that helps formalize and represent the acquired knowledge. This prototype demonstrates the feasibility of delivering scheduling knowledge in away that enables user interaction. CASCH uses object-oriented and rule- based knowledge representation tools to state typical sequencing rules that help to generate macro-level schedules for typical mid-rise commercial building construction .

3 91-18863. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official indorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Depart- ment of the Army position, unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN IT IS NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FJ. I OMB No. 0704-0188. Pubic Wrtoig burden for this woletion d information i eaimied to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing intrudion.

4 Searching eisting data sources. gathenng and nintaining the data needed, and conhpleting and reviewing the collection c infomaion. Send commenta regarding this burden estimate or any other espec of this colectionof Informion. including ouggeetione for reducing this burden, to Wshington Headquaiter Servios, Diredorae for inforntion Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite1204. Arlington. VA 222024302. and to the Office of Management and Budget. Papework Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 205M0. 1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave Blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED.

5 I September 1991 Final 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS. Factors for Generating Initial construction Schedules PE 4A161102. 6. AUTHOR(S) PR AT23 N/. TA EA. Diego Echeverry WU X01. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION. REPORT NUMBER. Army construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USACERL). PO Box 9005 TM P-91/54. Champaign, IL 61826-9005. 9. SPONSORINGMONITORING AGENCY NAME(S; AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING. AGENCY REPORT NUMBER. Chief of Engineers AITN: DAEN-ZA. 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20134-1000. 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES.)

6 Copies are available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Spring- field, VA 22161. 12a. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words). This report outlines a Knowledge-Bascd Systems (KBS) approach to acquiring, formalizing, and representing construction scheduling knowledge. This process formalizes key factors that experienced schedulers use to develop initial construction schedules. This study focused on identifying the factors used to logically sequence construction activities.

7 Four such major factors are: (1). physical relationships among building components ( , supported-by, embedded-in, etc.); (2) interaction among crews, equipment, materials, etc.; (3) requirement of an interference-free path for components and their installation; and (4) code regulations that ensure the safety of construction operations and the ability to supervise and inspect installed components. These factors were used to develop a K13S prototype, CASCH, (Computer-assisted Scheduling) computer program that helps formalize and represent the acquired knowledge. This prototype demonstrates the feasibility of delivering scheduling knowledge in a way that enables user interaction.

8 CASCH uses object-oriented and rule-based knowledge representation tools to state typical sequencing rules that help to generate macro-level schedules for typical mid-rise commercial building construction . 14. SUBJECT TERMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES. Knowdedge-Based System 158. construction Industry - Planning 16. PRICE CODE. 17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT. OF REPORT OF THIS PAGE OF ABSTRACT. Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified SAR. NSN 7540-01-280-5500 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89). Preftcbed by ANSI Std 239-18. 29&102.

9 FOREWORD. This study was conducted for the Office of the Chief of Engineers (OCE) under project 4A161102AT23, "Basic Research in Military construction "; Work Unit EA-XO, "Cognitive Processes for Concurrent Engineering." This work was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This research was performed by the Facility Systems Division (FS) of the Army construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USACERL). The USACERL principal investigator was Mr.

10 Diego Echeverry. Dr. Michael J. O'Connor is Chief, USACERL-FS. The USACERL technical editor was Mr. William J. Wolfe, Information Management Office. COL Everett R. Thomas is Commander and Director of USACERL, and Dr. Shaffer is Technical Director. Special thanks is owed to Professor C. William Ibbs, of the University of California at Berkeley, who was the thesis advisor for this work. Valuable contributions by University of Illinois (at Urbana). Professors John Melin, James Lefter, and Leroy Boyer, and Carnegie-Melon Professor James Garrett are also gratefully acknowledged. Appreciation is expressed to Drs.