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DREDGABL and GEOSITE Knowledge-Based Expert System Geotechnical Decision Support Tools for Dredging.
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DREDGABL and GEOSITE Knowledge-Based Expert System Geotechnical Decision Support Tools for Dredging Reda Bakeer, Ardaman & Associates, Inc., rbakeer@ardaman.comJoseph Spigolon, SJS, Inc., In memoriamTimothy Welp, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Timothy.L.Welp@usace.army.mil
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer software/hardware that mimics subjective & objective reasoning of human brains
Artificial Intelligence Applications • Puzzles & Games • Expert Systems (ES) • Knowledge Based Expert System (KBES) • Decision Support Systems • Pattern Recognition • Neural Networks • Fuzzy Logic • Virtual Reality
Knowledge-Based Expert Systems • Preserve knowledge & experiences (subjective & objective)of experts in the field • User-friendly interface that allows for interaction between the user & knowledge base • Can be relatively simple or very elaborate • May or may not have learning components • Ability of knowledge to “grow” & decision to “improve” • Explain why data is needed & how conclusions are reached • Include confidence/risk factors
Knowledge-Based Expert Systems • Components: • Knowledge acquisition & validation • Knowledge coding, inference engine & user interface • Uses expert-derived rules for its reasoning • Incorporate & process judgment, experience, empirical rules of thumb, proven functional relationships & experimental evidence • More elaborate systems become Decision Support Systems (DDS)
Knowledge-Based Expert Systems • Applied to a wide variety of problem domains • Once a system is developed, it should be verified in real world by outside experts • Used to: • Preserve & transfer knowledge • Train new & unskilled workers • Enhance decision making process (DSS)
Dredging Research Program (DRP) • Dredging Operations & Environmental Research Program (DOER) Dredging KBESs • GEOtechnical SITE Investigation Methods (GEOSITE) • Geotechnical Factors in DREDGeABiLity (DREDGABL) DRPSJS, Inc. & 1990’s 2008-2010 Dr. Jack Fowler
GEOSITE & DREDGABL • Intended as a training/screening tool & not for use in formal engineering designs • Fully interactive & user friendly software for personal computers (FoxPro & Windows) • Developed through established literature & interviews with experts in the field (knowledge acquisition) • Verified through field trials & workshops • Limited use by USACE in the 1990’s • Contain detailed graphical assistance tools • Used to provide guidance or as a training tool
GEOtechnical SITE Investigation Methods (GEOSITE) • Provides guidance from geotechnical experts for subsurface investigations for dredging projects • Assumes general knowledge of sediment types at site • Assists in selecting: • Sediment sampling methods • In-situ strength testing methods, considering all appropriate sampling/testing method combinations • Methods for accessing the sampling/testing depth • Material identification tests • Platforms suitable for fieldwork • Uses Confidence Factors & Utility Factors
GEOtechnical Factors in DREDGeABiLity (DREDGABL) • Serves as a geotechnical engineering consultant • Provides guidance regarding “dredgeability” of sediments described in the contract document • Dredgeability is defined as the ease with which an underwater soil or rock can be excavated, removed, transported & deposited using specific dredging equipment & methods • Contains a database option to store local knowledge within the user’s geographical area
GEOSITE & DREDGABL KBES Computerized tools designed to enhance accessibility and quality of information & knowledge needed by decision makers in the dredging industry
Use of GEOSITE & DREDGABL • A guide, or computerized mentor, for persons lacking knowledge & experience in dredgeability analysis of geotechnical data, or geotechnical site investigations for dredging projects. • An educational aid in the training of new planners, estimators, administrators & operators • Assist geotechnical engineers & engineering geologists involved in dredging subsurface investigations • Peer review, where knowledgeable & experienced personnel can consult with other experts for review & to check their work