Factors which influence production rates and methods in order to improve the accuracy of estimates are considered in this paper. Better estimates are obtained from a detailed analysis of factors occurring at the work site. To determine what these factors might be, field observations were made of construction activities using video and time study techniques. The knowledge and data gathered from these observations was combined with the knowledge acquired from literature sources, questionnaires, and interviews with experts in construction to form a knowledge base.

This cumulative knowledge was then used to create an expert system, or estimating tool, which prompts less experienced estimators to consider the complex factors which affect production rates.

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