- Author
-
Kaetzel, L. J.
|
Clifton, J. R.
|
Bentz, D. P.
- Title
- Integrating Knowledge for the Identification of Cracks in Concrete Using an Expert System Shell and Extensions.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
-
NISTIR 89-4206,
December 1989,
34 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Book or Conf
- Annual Users Conference, 3rd Proceedings. Users.PRL. November 8-10, 1989,
Cocoa Beach FL,
43-71 p.,
1989
- Keywords
-
concretes
|
cracking (fracturing)
|
databases
|
expert systems
|
image intensifiers
|
diagnostics
|
knowledge acquisition
- Abstract
- An expert system has been developed for identifying the probable causes of cracks in concrete based on their shape and pattern, density and location. The system uses three forms of knowledge; 1) facts, rules of thumb, 2) databases, and 3) digital imaging capabilities. Knowledge contained in the system is obtained from experts in the field, photographs taken of actual concrete failures, and the classification of the failures into a database format. A PC based expert system shell and computer programs written specificially for the integration and use of the different forms of knowledge were used to implement the expert system. This paper discusses the acquisition of the three forms of knowledge, their representation in the expert system environment, and extensions developed to process information and enhance the user's interface. The potential for the use of speech recognition for recording conditions at field sites, and storage of large volumes of information using optical disk technology are discussed.