Soil Classification Decision Support System Using An Expert System Approach

Abstract

Soil classification systems are necessary for the identification of soil properties. Expert systems can be a very powerful tool in identifying soils quickly and accurately. In this paper, an interactive and user-friendly expert decision support system was developed using an expert system shell. The system classifies soils according to the Unified Soil Classification System and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) system. In addition, the system classifies the swelling potential of expansive soils according to the schemes developed by Seed et al. (1962), Van der Merwe (1975), and Dakshanamurthy and Raman (1973). Randomly selected problems solved by the system showed mat it is quick, accurate, simple, and easy to follow.