Thesis-1995-Lam.pdf (5.53 MB)
A knowledge-based system for planning and scheduling ready mixed concrete
thesis
posted on 2012-12-10, 13:16 authored by Yow T. LamThe use of ready-mixed concrete primarily involves two parties, the supplier and the
customer (who is usually a construction contractor), although others may be involved.
Ready-mixed concrete is not only a product, it is also a service. This implies that the supply
of ready-mixed concrete should satisfy the customers' needs in relation to both quality and
supply. To satisfy quality requirements, ready-mixed concrete must contain suitable
materials, and be produced under conditions of quality control by experienced staff using
reliable equipment To meet the supply requirement, it must be delivered at the time and rate
required.
Based on the findings in several surveys and studies, the UK ready-mixed concrete
industry appears to meet the quality requirement quite well. However, the service provided
to the customers could be improved. In addition, the industry's efficiency is not
satisfactory when compared to its counterparts in other European countries such as
Germany.
Due to the peculiar characteristics of the product, which has a "shelf life" of only a few
hours, and the unpredictable nature of the operating environment, the planning and
scheduling problems of the production and delivery activities are usually unstructured and
complex. In practice, UK ready-mixed concrete companies rely on their shippers' personal
experience or intuition to make their planning and scheduling decisions.
This research explored the feasibility of using a knowledge-based decision support system
for planning' and scheduling the production and delivery of ready-mixed concrete. A
prototype called ISRMC has been successfully developed as a result of a study of the
operations of concrete production and construction as well as the ready-mixed concrete
production and delivery process and detailed collection of knowledge from various
sources.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Publisher
© Yow Thim LamPublication date
1995Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.Language
- en