A Rule-Based Expert System for Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Problem statement: The construction industry generates lots of construction waste which caused significant impacts on the environment and aroused growing public concern in the local community. Construction waste is becoming a serious environmental problem in many large cities in the world. Approach: In recent years, expert systems have been used extensively in different applications areas including environmental studies. In this study, expert system software -CDWM- developed by using Microsoft Visual Basic was introduced. CDWM to be used for construction waste management plan was designed based on the legal process. Results: According to the construction waste management regulation enacted, construction activities require mandatory construction waste management plan before staring activities. CDWM primarily aims to provide educational and support system for construction engineers and decision-makers during construction activities. It displays construction waste management plan in report form and the best location of construction waste storage area in GIS format. Conclusion: When the use of CDWM in construction waste management plan becomes widespread, it is highly possible that it will be benefited in terms of having more accurate and objective decisions on construction projects which are mainly focused on reducing the construction waste.