A framework of knowledge acquisition systems for governmental agencies in public construction projects

Abstract

Knowledge during construction is usually ignored or non-systematically captured and stored leading to a fresh start of knowledge acquisition processes in future projects rather than using construction knowledge learned from previous projects efficiently. This problem exists in all types of construction projects, particularly public construction projects entailing large amount of financial investment. The main objective of this research is to develop a framework of knowledge acquisition systems that can be used by governmental agencies in public construction projects. We began with site investigations to construct a preliminary framework of the systems. Necessary data were collected from interviewing key persons of governmental agencies, engineering representatives at construction sites, and personnel controlling information and documentation systems. The proposed framework includes a scheme that explains the stages of capturing and storing construction knowledge. Once the preliminary framework has been developed, it was applied to two bridge projects in Indonesia used as case studies, namely, Suramadu Bridge Project and Pasupati Bridge Project. The result shows that the generalized framework can be modified to establish the project-specific knowledge acquisition systems for both projects.