FIREX-AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR OF FIRE DAMAGED BUILDINGS

Abstract

Computers have, traditionally been used to solve engineering problems that are formalized and analytical in nature. The desire to use computers to aid the solutions of engineering problems that are ill-structured like assessment and repair of fire damaged buildings (problem that does not have a straight forward algorithm) requires skillful manipulation of large quantities of knowledge, in a trial and error fashion starting with certain assumptions and hypothesis, and revising them: when it is necessary until the solution is achieved. The whole process of problem solving requires symbolic computation which is beyond the realm of traditional programming'. Whereas, Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is concerned with the understanding of human problem solving strategies can handle such problems. AI is basically a software technique to emulate the human reasoning process. The major applications of AI in civil engineering are the Knowledge Based Expert Systems (KBES). KBES is nothing but the art of simulation of human reasoning process in solving a problem which often consists of many years of experience and judgement.