Application of expert systems technology in the design of durable concrete

This Paper describes work undertaken to explore the possible application of expert system technology to the domain of concrete durability design. The potential usefulness of expert systems in general and in this area is discussed. The information for the domain was obtained from BRE digests and concrete experts. Following BRE digests, the domain was divided into separate modules covering sulphate attack, alkali-aggregate reaction, steel corrosion and mix design. A prototype (DEX) was developed, incorporating modules covering each of the sub-domains. The modules were linked into an overall system capable of producing concrete mix designs incorporating the advice held in the BRE documents. Many potential implementation problems are solved within DEX by the use of a hypertext system to provide user support. The use of hypertext techniques is proposed both as a useful expert system development aid and as a supplementary form of publishing BRE digests and similar standards documents.