Continuous Constructability Knowledge Acquisition with Fuzzy Knowledge-Based Failure Mode and Effects Analysis

Constructability analysis and the resulting adjustments in facility design have a significant potential in improving cost effectiveness of construction projects. However, traditional constructability knowledge acquisition techniques are the key barrier to successful constructability improvement. A new approach to automated constructability lessons-learned documentation and constructability analysis is presented, building upon elements of constructability analysis and improvement programs and ISO Document Systems techniques developed. The paper describes an original solution to continuous constructability knowledge acquisition based on such an approach, combining Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) with fuzzy knowledge-based systems. The framework and implementation process of this solution is presented in detail and illustrated on an example construction project. It is concluded that FMEA combined with fuzzy knowledge-based systems provides systematic approach for acquiring structured and reusable constructability knowledge useful for automated constructability analysis.