PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEM FOR LOW-VOLUME RURAL ROADS IN SARAWAK

Abstract

The value of rural roads cannot be overstated in terms of a society’s economic and social development. Road construction has the potential to alter natural terrain, cause widespread environmental damage and result in significant land-use and cultural changes. Roads must be constructed in accordance with appropriate design specifications in order to balance the needs, costs and environmental impacts of road users. There are several reasons for scarcity in technical skills and technological development of Low-Volume Rural Roads (LVRRs). Universities, colleges, polytechnics and technical schools do not provide LVRR-focused education. Low-tech LVRRs skills are often acquired through years of experience and are lost due to retirement and downsizing. This article discusses the development of a conceptual knowledge-based system for low-volume rural road design. The prototype system has been developed for demonstration purposes and is not ready for implementation. This prototype system simulates a portion of a pavement expert’s or specialist’s technical reasoning skills, which it can then use to help with road design and improve the efficiency and precision of engineers tasked with evaluating all potential designs. As a result, the system increases the engineers’ efficiency in evaluating, assessing and modifying information that will aid decision makers throughout the project, thereby increasing the effectiveness of making the right decision at the right time.