Application of expert systems in civil engineering

Expert systems represent “IF-THEN” algorithms that integrate human expert knowledge to solve complex problems. This area of research focuses on finding solutions to challenging situations that are often difficult to resolve using traditional methods. Expert systems have widespread applications in the field of construction. The paper presents some of these applications, including their use in building maintenance, inspection of water and sewage systems, geotechnical engineering, road maintenance, and the selection of appropriate construction materials. Artificial neural networks are effective in optimizing financial plans, estimating the duration of activities, assessing the productivity of work teams, and selecting contractors. Genetic algorithms find their application in resource allocation, selecting optimal solutions for task scheduling and project costs, as well as in building maintenance, while fuzzy logic aids in risk analysis, project management, and cost estimation. Expert methods can be integrated into information systems to provide consistent information necessary for the effective management of construction projects. A review of published papers on the application of expert methods in construction shows that these methods are already significantly represented across all sectors of the construction industry, but also indicates that there are still substantial opportunities for their future application.