This book describes current advances and future directions in the theory and application of intelligent agents and multi-agent systems in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. It is the product of an international effort involving a network of construction IT and computing researchers, investigating different aspects of agent theory and applications. The contributed chapters cover different perspectives and application areas, and represent significant efforts to harness emerging technologies such as intelligent agents and multi-agent systems for improved business processes in the AEC sector. The first four chapters cover the theoretical foundations of agent technology whilst the remaining chapters deal with the application of agent-based systems in solving problems in the construction domain.

This book describes current advances and future directions in the theory and application of intelligent agents and multi-agent systems in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. It is the product of an international effort involving a network of construction IT and computing researchers, investigating different aspects of agent theory and applications.

The contributed chapters cover different perspectives and application areas, and represent significant efforts to harness emerging technologies such as intelligent agents and multi-agent systems for improved business processes in the AEC sector. The first four chapters cover the theoretical foundations of agent technology whilst the remaining chapters deal with the application of agent-based systems in solving problems in the construction domain.

Concurrent Engineering (CE) is a systematic approach to the integrated and concurrent design of products and related processes, including aspects as diverse as manufacture and support. It is only now being carefully applied to the construction sector and offers considerable potential for increasing efficiency and effectiveness. It enables developers to consider all elements of a building or structure's life cycle from the conception stage right through to disposal, and to include issues of quality, cost, schedule, and user requirements. Drawing together papers that reflect various research efforts on the implementation of CE in construction projects, Concurrent Engineering in Construction presents construction professionals and academics with the key issues and technologies important for CE's adoption, starting with fundamental concepts and then going on to the role of organisational enablers and advanced information and communication technologies, then providing conclusions and suggestions of future directions.

Concurrent Engineering (CE) is a systematic approach to the integrated and concurrent design of products and related processes, including aspects as diverse as manufacture and support. It is only now being carefully applied to the construction sector and offers considerable potential for increasing efficiency and effectiveness. It enables developers to consider all elements of a building or structure's life cycle from the conception stage right through to disposal, and to include issues of quality, cost, schedule, and user requirements.
Drawing together papers that reflect various research efforts on the implementation of CE in construction projects, "Concurrent Engineering in Construction" presents construction professionals and academics with the key issues and technologies important for CE's adoption, starting with fundamental concepts and then going on to the role of organizational enablers and advanced information and communication technologies, then providing conclusions and suggestions of future directions.