Determinant factors of using data and knowledge in bridge engineering

Abstract

Complexity and heterogeneity of information and decision processes in bridge construction necessitates the use of heterogeneous and complex information resources. However, for data collection and processing in this area, transactional database systems are mainly employed. They allow only the processing of detailed precise data as well as static ones. Other categories of data used in this area, including, for instance, fuzzy, temporal or active data, make it necessary to use additional specialized database systems. A similar remark can be made in relation to the various categories of acquired and processed knowledge in bridge construction projects (e.g. complete or incomplete knowledge in the reasoning process). Numerous independent and autonomous software applications used for this purpose do not offer comprehensive support for complex and multi-stage problems. It appears then that rational IT solutions in this area should be sought within the integrated systems of intelligent databases, supplemented with data fuzzing mechanisms and active data support, and, additionally, enabling the exchange of data with heuristic reasoning systems, in particular with expert systems that use the rule-based organization of knowledge, cooperating with case-based reasoning systems.