ABSTRACT

This book describes current advances and future directions in the theory and application of intelligent agents and multi-agent systems in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. It is the product of an international effort involving a network of construction IT and computing researchers, investigating different aspects of agent theory and applications.

The contributed chapters cover different perspectives and application areas, and represent significant efforts to harness emerging technologies such as intelligent agents and multi-agent systems for improved business processes in the AEC sector. The first four chapters cover the theoretical foundations of agent technology whilst the remaining chapters deal with the application of agent-based systems in solving problems in the construction domain.

chapter 1|5 pages

Introduction

ByC. J. ANUMBA, O. O. UGWU AND Z. REN

chapter 2|25 pages

Intelligent agents: fundamentals

ByT. ARCISZEWSKI, Z. SKOLICKI AND K. DE JONG

chapter 3|56 pages

Multi-agent systems in construction: an overview

ByZ. REN, C. J. ANUMBA AND O. O. UGWU

chapter 4|15 pages

Negotiation theories

ByZ. REN, C. J. ANUMBA AND O. O. UGWU

chapter 5|60 pages

Agent-support for collaborative design

ByO. O. UGWU, C. J. ANUMBA AND A. THORPE

chapter 6|24 pages

MASCOT: a multi-agent system for construction claims negotiation

ByZ. REN AND C. J. ANUMBA

chapter 7|25 pages

Specification and procurement of construction products using agents

ByE. O. OBONYO, C. J. ANUMBA AND A. THORPE

chapter 8|22 pages

Agent-based virtual marketplace for AEC-bidding

ByM. SCHNELLENBACH-HELD, H. DENK AND A. ALBERT

chapter 9|16 pages

Agent-based information search and retrieval

ByM. SUN

chapter 10|23 pages

Agents for standards processing

chapter 11|38 pages

Multi-agent-based procurement in the construction material supply chain

ByC. E. UDEAJA AND J. H. M. TAH

chapter 12|11 pages

Conclusions

ByO. O. UGWU, C. J. ANUMBA AND Z. REN