An expert system for selecting roofing types in developing areas

[摘要] This dissertation has as it's objective to develop an expert system for the purposeof investigating the suitability of using expert systems in developing areas. It is thefirst time to our knowledge that an expert system has been tested for usage in sucha context. The housing and more specifically roofing domain is investigated foran application topic resulting in the selection of suitable roofing types beingchosen. Potential end-users are identified, an appropriate context of such a systemis outlined and an expert system tool is selected, The knowledge engineering andbuilding of the knowledge base are described.Feedback from the parties involved in testing and validating BUILDROOF isdocumented. In addition the suitability of using expert systems in the developingareas context in which BUILDROOF was developed, is discussed.Finally, recommendations regarding potentially suitable areas of application forexpert systems in developing areas are outlined.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand