Knowledge acquisition from experts in conceptual design of environmental engineering systems

This thesis describes a methodology for knowledge acquisition useful for knowledge representation in the Hierarchial Classification tool. The domain is conceptual design for environmental engineering systems, specifically wastewater treatment. The conceptual design problem is solved by decomposing expertise using design criteria. Basic concepts are defined such as experts versus novices, paradigms, and why there is a need for such an expert system. Knowledge acquisition and knowledge representation are discussed, with descriptions of the two knowledge acquisition tools used. The repertory grid reveals how the expert relates the features and design criteria to technologies. Constraint based representation reveals how the expert compares design criteria against waste features independent of the technologies.; A methodology for knowledge acquisition and representation is presented. The important design criteria of the competing technologies are identified. Next, the features relative to the design criteria are identified. Input from three experts was translated into the knowledge representation units, or matchers, within the Hierarchial Classifier.