A Knowledge-Based System for Preliminary Building Design and Cost Estimate

Abstract

Conceptual cost estimate is a very important process in the project feasibility study. It provides approximate construction costs that can be used in the project cash flow analysis. It mainly involves preliminary design which is a complicated, time-consuming, and knowledge intensive in nature. This process is normally performed by experts. The accuracy of the conceptual design is vital since it affects the decision to continue or terminate the project.

This study presents a software system that has been developed as a tool to assist architects and engineers in performing design and cost estimates for mid-rise building projects in the conceptual phase. The prototype system called Mid-Rise employs the knowledge-based approach to model the conceptual design process and to capture knowledge pertaining to architectural and structural design of residential-office buildings. The system can be used to generate a number of practical floor-layout alternatives according to the size of the plot and users requirements. The height of the building is then checked with the official regulations depending on the locality of the project.Mid-Rise also performs approximate structural analysis and design as well as construction cost estimate. The construction costs determined using the proposed system are found to be very close to those performed by experiential engineers.