ARDx-a fuzzy expert system for ARD site remediation

This paper details development of an expert system using fuzzy techniques to design remediation techniques for sites contaminated by acid-rock-drainage (ARD). The fuzzy system is able to deal with missing, inaccurate, or heuristic data and still make useful design decisions. Fuzzy sets are defined using a functional relationship between the degree of belief in a certain qualitative concept and one or more quantitative variables. Rules were developed during interviews with a chosen expert in the field. Using user input site data and characterization, the association of the degree of belief in a concept with that of other concepts come together within these rules to produce a decision or conclusion. The fuzzy expert system produces a standardized adaptable approach to the problem and provides quick advice to a user looking for a preliminary but detailed analysis. The work done to this point includes a fuzzy controller, separate control modules for treatment options, cost analysis, and interactive hypertext documents.