ABSTRACT
The paper describes the creation of an expert system in which the factors affecting the life cycle costs of systems and components of buildings are considered. Knowledge on the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems are included along with user profiles. The system utilizes knowledge acquired from facility managers in various sectors of industry who gave their opinions on how the different components and systems can affect the operation and maintenance costs of these facilities.
The prototype expert system enables facility managers to use a decision support system which can greatly improve the decision making process on planned maintenance scheduling and the planning of future operational and maintenance expenditures. The system is a first step towards making more effective cost predictions and facility management decisions leading to an improved and more sophisticated quality control and assurance program.
