| Title |
Construction Cost Estimating System for the Evaluation of Design Alternatives During Design Process |
| Abstract |
This research describes a model that provides detailed cost information on design alternatives at all stages of design. The model, called the Automated Interactive Cost Estimating System(AICES), is implemented for reinforced concrete building structure. The core of AICES is (1) automated detailed design of default prototype structures based on input from more general design and (2) automated detailed cost estimating of the detailed designs. Design is developed through a hierarchical design process at schematic, preliminary, and detailed design levels. Design input at any level produces a detailed design that provides input to the automated detailed estimating. This provides accurate detailed cost estimates for alternative values of design variables selected at any level. AICES is composedof datablses, a knowledge base, and application programs to support design modifications and to perform detailed cost estimating. The databases consist of a project independent database containing generic information and a project dependent database that stores information specific to a project. The knowledge base consists of rules that represent construction knowledge to guide the user in selecting a suitable construction method. The implementation programs are coded in relational database software and a rule-based system package for microcomputers. |