Parameter Interdependencies for Development of KBS for Risk Analysis

Knowledge-based systems (KBS) are being widely used for risk analysis of structures. The KBS make use of various types of observations made during postdisaster damage surveys and also the expertise of various domain engineers. Consolidation of all the observations to form the knowledge base (KB) is a difficult task. Each of the observations consists of various parameters. Establishing parameter interdependencies is important for creating a KB. The use of a graph theoretic technique is proposed in this paper to determine the interdependencies among various parameters useful in the creation of a KB. This approach helps in identifying necessary and sufficient data required to develop an effective KBS for risk analysis of structures. Using the proposed approach, an example problem of establishing parameter interdependencies for risk analysis of roof structure against damage due to cyclonic winds is solved. This example also demonstrates how sufficiency and consistency of the observations can be checked.