Fabrication errors in steel bridges need to be recognized and corrected properly and efficiently. To arrive at the best possible solutions, engineers need not only knowledge of material and fabrication specifications, but also experience and good understanding of practical limitations faced by fabricators. The engineer considers the particular error situation for each case. Experience and expertise are scattered and vary among individuals and across Departments of Transportation (DOTs). Researchers at the University of Kansas collect cases and advice to make them widely available. The software, Fabrication error Indexed eXamples and Solutions (FIXS), is a knowledge-based system (KB) to provide quick, possible solutions to fabrication errors suitable for use by multiple DOTs. The sharable database can lead to standardized solution procedures that would expedite bridge fabrication and would be expected to reduce fabrication costs.How to discussTom01/05/01
The first attempt at a knowledge-based system for fabrication errors, called Bridge Fabrication error solution eXpert system: BFX, used a rule-approach [Roddis and Hess 1994]; [Melhem, Roddis, Nagaraja, and Hess 1996].How to askLiu01/06/01
This research focuses on the development of a Web-based knowledge-based system and service in the domain of steel bridge fabrication errors using both rule-based reasoning (RBR) and case-based reasoning (CBR). In previous work, Fabrication error Indexed eXamples and Solutions (FIXS) was successfully running on windows platforms. In current research, the knowledge-based system was ported on World Wide Web to service clients from various computer platforms. Web-based FIXS also add necessary features to support a web interface and expand service.To enhance the repair database, information will be gathered from DOTs and fabricators. This will include visits to fabrication plants, site trips, and consultation with bridge experts and targeted users. To ease information gathering, a web submittal mechanism was developed.  A discussion forum was established on web server to enhance exchanging of knowledge, either between bridge experts or targeted users.tttttttttttt
yourrtyuyou[2001,11,29]
