Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded on the scene and impacts businesses in every industry, including construction. While many are still navigating how AI can help transform their work, some in the construction industry have already begun leveraging the technology to advance productivity and performance, mitigate risk, and improve safety.
What Is AI?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines AI as the ability to analyze large amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictions or decisions based on that data, continuously improving its performance over time. AI includes the development of machines capable of learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Preconstruction Phase
During the preconstruction phase, people and teams from various disciplines and levels of expertise work together to plan a project. Property owners, architects and engineers, trade contractors, general contractors, building product manufacturers, and others perform feasibility studies, outline the scope of work, determine delivery methods, and establish timelines and budgets. Additionally, the team is tasked with identifying the risks involved in a project. They will evaluate financial and market data, the environmental impact of a project, and other factors that can be obtained quickly and precisely using AI.
Construction Design
AI-powered generative design can be used to detect and reduce incompatibilities between the many models generated by various teams, streamlining the work involved and eliminating the need for rework. Software is available that employs machine learning algorithms to identify all possible solution variations and offer design options.
The Bidding Process
During the bidding and negotiating process, specialty contractors, general contractors, and building supply manufacturers evaluate the project scope, discover opportunities, analyze bidding methods, and determine which projects will succeed. Specialty contractors can use AI to optimize procedures, automate repetitive operations, and accelerate the decision process in vetting a project.
Permits and Approvals
AI can be used to validate building code compliance and manage the building permit process.
Performance and Safety
AI technology is enabling improvements in performance and safety, including:
- Predictive maintenance with HVAC and electrical systems: Contractors are using AI to analyze data to predict when maintenance will be needed and to prevent equipment failure.
- Site safety: AI-powered cameras and sensors can monitor construction sites for potential safety hazards and warn workers and general contractors (GCs) of potential dangers.
- Project management: GCs can use AI to optimize the allocation of labor and materials for more efficient and cost-effective scheduling.
- Quality control: AI-powered cameras and sensors can identify construction defects and alert workers and supervisors to issues needing attention.
- Building performance: AI has the ability to analyze data from building systems to optimize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and other performance metrics.
After Construction
Building managers can employ AI after a project is completed. Advanced analytics and AI-powered algorithms generate useful insights into the operation and performance of a building, bridge, road, or nearly anything else in the built environment by gathering information about it via sensors, drones, and other wireless technologies. AI may be used to monitor developing problems, identify when preventive maintenance is required, and even direct human behavior to ensure optimal security and safety.
AI is here to stay and is continually evolving, with the construction industry finding new ways to use the technology available.
Sources: ConstructConnect, Constructible