A Consortium Sponsored Knowledge-Based System for Managerial Decision Making in Industrial Construction

Driven by economic and environmental considerations, a consortium of companies sponsored the development of a knowledge-based decision support system, called MODEX (Modularization Expert) to help professionals in the construction industry to make decisions about the feasibility of using modularization technology for construction projects. MODEX also provides a detailed analysis of the impact of modularization on the cost and schedule of the constructed facility. To acquire knowledge, we interviewed experts from 22 organizations including facility owners, contractors, and fabricators. Over 50 member companies of the consortium have evaluated and validated the system, and about 80 companies and universities in the US and other countries are now using it. By encouraging companies to use modules in building industrial plants, MODEX can help reduce the damage to the natural environment that results from heavy on-site construction activities.