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Computerizing Concrete Technology Knowledge

Published

Author(s)

G J. Frohnsdorff, L J. Kaetzel

Abstract

The ability to organize, store, process, and exchange knowledge of concrete using computers is growing rapidly. Without fully knowing what will be possible in the future, it is apparent that computers will bring great changes to the way knowledge of concrete technology is used. It seems inevitable that computers will computers will become the major source of knowledge for concrete technologists. In recognition of the potential of knowledge-based systems to help advance the knowledge of concrete technology, ACI Committee 235, knowledge-Based Systems and Mathematical Modeling of Materials, was organized in 1994. Its goals are to study, develop and report on: knowledge-based systems for concrete; mathematical modeling for prediction of material properties of concrete; guidance on protocols; and promotion of concrete knowledge-based management and understanding. Since 1994, the computerization of concrete technology knowledge has progressed remarkably and the need for a committee such as 235 is even more imperative. Some examples of knowledge-based computer applications are:The expert system for Highway Concrete (HWYCON)The electronic monograph on computational materials science of concrete2The three-dimensional model of cement hydration3One may now begin to see a possible way that a practical structure for the knowledge of concrete technology can be developed. While there are many possibilities, the authors would propose that, for the present purpose, the knowledge should be divided into the following categories:ProcessingCharacterizationConstructibilitySimulation of microstructure and property developmentStructural performancePredicting fire performanceEconomics (life cycle cost)Environmental effects (life cycle analysis)Predicting maintenance and durabilityWhile these categories may not be the final choice, they serve to illustrate how many of the present ACI Committees could provide input to a Computer Integrated Knowledge System (CIKS) Network. 4.5 For example, the following committees could provide input to the CIKS under the processing heading:211 Proportioning Concrete Mixtures212 Chemical Admixtures214 Evaluation of Results of Tests Used to Determine the Strength of Concrete221 Aggregates225 Hydraulic Cements231 Properties of Concrete at Early Ages232 Fly Ash and Natural Pozzolans in Concrete233 Ground Slag in Concrete234 Silica Fume in Concrete301 Specifications for Concrete304 Measuring, Mixing, Transporting, and Placing Concrete308 Curing Concrete309 Consolidation of Concrete
Citation
Concrete International

Keywords

American Concrete Institute, concrete materials, internet, interoperability, knowledge exchange, knowledge-based systems

Citation

Frohnsdorff, G. and Kaetzel, L. (1999), Computerizing Concrete Technology Knowledge, Concrete International, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=860745 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created December 1, 1999, Updated February 19, 2017