A decision framework for construction technology selection

摘要

The decision to replace a conventional construction process by an automated system requires careful analysis of tangible and intangible factors such as need based criteria, economic criteria, technological criteria, project specific criteria, and safety/risk criteria. As every construction project is unique, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of an automated system on a project-to-project basis. This paper presents AUTOCOP, a decision support system, for AUTomation Option evaluation for Construction Processes. AUTOCOP has been designed to assist construction managers in systematically evaluating the two options: conventional construction process versus automated system. The concept developed through this research has been applied to several case studies in trenchless technology selection. The development, selection, and utilization of trenchless technology (TT) has expanded rapidly over the past ten years and includes a wide range of methods such as Pipebursting and Cured-in-place Lining to rehabilitate existing underground pipelines with minimal excavation of the ground. This paper will discuss a case study and application of AUTOCOP.