Sightplan model for site layout

A model that uses artificial intelligence programming techniques is presented as a new tool for layout designers. This model, named SightPlan, represents the layout process as well as the layout product. A description of the knowledge and problem-solving method is given of the SightPlan system that mimics the actions of a human layout designer. SightPlan lays out temporary facilities, represented as rectangles, on a construction site, represented as a two-dimensional space. An early-commitment strategy and spatial constraint satisfaction techniques are used to find unique positions for facilities among those already in place. An example run in which SightPlan is applied to a case-study project illustrates how the program operates in stand-alone mode. SightPlan demonstrates that knowledge-based systems can successfully address problems not adequately modeled until now and, thus, opens up a new way of thinking about computer-aided decision support for the construction industry. The present system is a prototype, however. Additional work must be done before SightPlan will be ready for field use and useful to field practitioners.