Integrated foundation design of buildings: Case demonstration of a prototype expert system

This paper reports on an integrated prototype expert system, which has been developed to support geotechnical engineers during the initial foundation design phase. Foundation design based on Dutch practice and geotechnical codes as well as construction and project management aspects is programmed. The paper discusses an integrated approach to foundation design of buildings using a case‐demonstration to show the proposed system and its basis. The modelling techniques used offer a sound basis for including these aspects in routine geotechnical design. The example has indicated that the system is capable of integrating geotechnical design aspects with construction related aspects in order to produce better foundation design solutions.