Highway Concrete (HWYCON) Expert System in the Classroom.
Highway Concrete (HWYCON) Expert System in the
Classroom.
(502 K)
Kaetzel, L. J.; Struble, L. S.
University of Cincinnati. Teaching the Materials
Science, Engineering, and Field Aspects of Concrete.
3rd Annual Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement Symposium.
Proceedings. July 9-12, 1995, Cincinnati, OH, 7-14 pp,
1995.
Sponsor:
Portland Cement Assoc., San Ramon, CA
Keywords:
highways; concretes; expert systems; material science;
teaching tools
Abstract:
Expert Systems have proven to be useful tools to aid the
decision-making process for the construction industry.
HWYCON, a computer-based decision-support system was
developed as part of the Strategic Highway Research
Program's "Optimization of Highway Concrete Technology".
The system was developed at the National Institute of
Standards and Technology and is now being used by
highway departments throughout the United States.
Included in the HWYCON knowledge base is high-level
expert knowledge, visual information (digitized
photographs and drawings), and reference information for
concrete pavements and structures. HWYCON was designed
to address three materials-related activities: 1)
distress identification and diagnosis; 2) selection of
materials for construction and reconstruction; and 3)
guidance on the use of materials and procedures for
several repair methods. HWYCON has been used in the
classroom in an upper-class/graduate course on
durability of construction materials. The students used
the HWYCON system to become familiar with materials
selection issues. A homework assignment could easily be
developed using HWYCON.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899