DREDGABL and GEOSITE Knowledge-Based Expert System Geotechnical

Decision Support Tools for Dredging

Computer software/hardware that mimics subjective & objective reasoning of human brains

Puzzles & Games Expert Systems (ES) Knowledge Based Expert

System (KBES) Decision Support Systems

Pattern Recognition Neural Networks Fuzzy Logic Virtual Reality

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

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)

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 KBESs GEOtechnical SITE Investigation Methods (GEOSITE) Geotechnical Factors in DREDGeABiLity (DREDGABL) DRP SJS, Inc. & 1990’s 2008-2010 Dr. Jack Fowler

Dredging Research Program (DRP) Dredging Operations & Environmental Research Program (DOER)

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

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

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

Computerized tools designed to enhance accessibility and quality of information & knowledge needed by decision makers in the dredging industry

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