Introduction
Construction has always benefited from improvements. From the introduction of reinforced concrete and steel to the introduction of digital design tools, each improvement has taken the industry further beyond previous limits. Right now, we are about to see another wave of improvements across the construction industry – this time driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept, since AI has arrived in the construction sector in a way that is ultimately an enabler for achieving more efficiency, more accuracy, and more safety. Even from preconstruction planning to facility management, AI is allowing organisation stakeholders to make better decisions, reduce costs and ultimately deliver projects quicker than previously could be achieved.
This article will explain what AI is, how AI is being used in construction, the benefits and drawbacks of AI, and finally, the conclusions as to why it will represent one of the largest bangs for buck for technology that the industry has ever experienced.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence is the concept of machines exhibiting human-like intelligence by intentionally thinking, learning and making decisions. Unlike standard software, AI systems analyse huge amounts of data, recognise patterns in data and can adjust their interactions with data without being configured for every possible task.
AI in construction is usually achieved using machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, computer vision and natural language processing. By utilising these technologies, AI can automate repeating tasks, analyse historical data and provide insights, and assist in multifaceted decision-making.
At its simplest form, artificial intelligence in construction allows teams to shift from a reactive position of problem-solving to a proactive position of planning, allowing smarter, safer and economical projects.
Artificial Intelligence in Preconstruction
The preconstruction phase is a crucial component of any project’s overall success, and AI has already proven itself to be a formidable ally in the preconstruction process. AI can analyse huge amounts of project data, including budgets, schedules, and material prices, allowing not only for an improved ability to forecast, but for improved risk analysis as well.
Some of the intended uses are:
Cost prediction: AI can analyse the previous projects using historical data and current market conditions to provide accurate cost predictions.
Scheduling: AI-based platforms can create a better-optimised project schedule, taking various variables into consideration, including availability of labourr resources, weather forecasts, and equipment restrictions.
Improvement of designs: When working with BIM, AI can provide design change recommendations that reduce waste and improve energy optimisation.
Site analysis: AI platforms can also help to assess the geographical, environmental, and regulatory factors to choose the best and most practical site for the project.
This way, AI shows its value in the preconstruction, giving decision-makers much more information to work with prior to construction starting.
AI in the Preconstruction Phases of Projects
The impact of AI in the phase of preconstruction management touches on every facet of project delivery to promote risk mitigation and also facilitate resource efficiency.
Conceptual Planning Phase: AI can leverage information based on market trends, demographics, types of zoning, etc, which would let AI provide guidance on the earliest vision of a project.
Feasibility Studies: Using machine learning AI models and simulations to enhance design options when determining project viability and what the costs or structural performance would entail.
Risk Management: Through predictive analytics algorithms, AI discovers potential physical risks related to project delivery, which helps stakeholders understand potential contingencies (for example, labour shortages for a construction project, delays in obtaining materials, etc).
Bid Preparation: AI will automate portions of the bidding process by reviewing requirements as well as producing competitive bids.
AI contributes to the process of project owners and contractors starting construction on a solid data-driven basis through the delivery of any one of these phases.
Where else can AI come together with construction?
While preconstruction is arguably the biggest opportunity for AI, the applications of AI can span the entire length of a project lifecycle.
Construction site monitoring: AI-equipped drones and cameras can give near real-time monitoring of progress and identify unsafe working conditions.
Quality control: Utilising capabilities of computer vision, quality control systems can review site photographs and video to assess if work is being completed according to design and specifications.
Equipment management: AI-capable predictive maintenance algorithms can track equipment performance in the field and provide warnings for maintenance failures before they occur.
Supply chain optimisation: The use of AI to track materials usage, assist with forecasting material shortages and automate procurement can ensure projects continue to track as planned.
Safety: AI-based wearables can monitor the movements of workers and if/when they begin to undertake unsafe movements or are working in an accumulative state of fatigue.
Facility management: After the project is complete, AI-based models can be used to help with building operations, track energy usage, identify maintenance schedules and assess overall building performance.
These applications illustrate that AI and construction do not exist in a time or place; they show how AI can continue to enhance all areas of construction.
Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Construction
The application of AI in construction encompasses multiple benefits:
Greater Efficiency: AI can facilitate scheduling, writing, reporting, and inspections that are time-consuming and repetitive. Therefore, individuals can spend their time doing higher-value work.
Cost Savings: Reasonable and informed projections mitigate cost overruns, predictive scheduling, and reduced duration of downtime with any equipment.
Enhanced Safety: AI systems offer the most appropriate and best assessment of hazards and working conditions to avoid accidents before they happen.
Improved Decision-Making: AI works with data from a sea of datasets that decision makers will not have baseline data access to.
Less Rework: Early clash detection and quality checks create fewer errors on site than the experiences of a construction professional.
Sustainable: AI models will promote designs and construction practices that limit material waste and energy consumption.
These are important enhancements for project delivery as well as client quality of experience and competitive advantage in the construction industry.
Problems with Bringing AI to Construction
Although there are clear challenges to AI in construction, the benefits are obvious. The biggest barrier to AI is costs. New software, technology, training, and development all require money, which may be problematic for a very few. The second problem is data. AI requires trusted and repeatable data, but construction does not seem to provide complete, structured and useful data on a project schedule.
The third problem is that the workforce needs to change. Change is awkward and time-consuming, so even if there are plausible scenarios to change, it will take time and willingness on the part of employees to adapt to these new practices. The fourth problem of change is the many systems of compatibility with tools that are still derived from antiquated construction tools and paper, which do not allow for any direct integrations with new tools, which makes change also complicated. Finally, there are still many legal and ethical questions to address, such as who owns the data? Who is liable? And what is the privacy of the data?
Addressing the issues will take leadership and commitment, but ultimately will need collaboration to change.
Positive Prospects for AI within Construction
The outlook for AI in construction is promising, with disruptive developments about to further revolutionise the construction sector. Digital twins, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are emerging technologies that are increasingly interfacing with AI-related technologies to create more intelligent and responsive ways of building and benefiting from construction.
For example, digital twins that are inclusive of AI-enabled monitoring, employing real-time monitoring, can track buildings throughout their lifecycle, identify when maintenance is needed, measure energy consumption, and record occupant behaviour. On the job site, AI-driven robots can assist workers—or even perform repetitive and dangerous tasks instead, reducing the level of exposure to risk and repetitive strain on workers.
As AI technologies become increasingly affordable and accessible, we will see more transition from the exclusive domain of large projects or large firms towards the use, influence and impact of AI on the sector in smaller firms and include agile and multifaceted supply chain networks in developing benefits no longer achievable with advanced, customised analytics and automation. AI will usher in enhanced levels of productivity and sustainability, as well as allow for a broader and deeper digitisation and innovation in the sector.
Summary
Artificial intelligence has officially entered construction, and it is already showing its effects. AI is improving overall efficiency, safety, and precision across the industry – from preconstruction planning and risk assessment, to real-time site observation and facility management.
Although the industry faces challenges, such as costs, data management, and workforce decisions, one thing is clear: AI is not a fad; it’s a long-term transition. Firms that implement AI now will position themselves for the complexities of the fast-paced future of construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Artificial Intelligence in construction?
Artificial Intelligence in construction encompasses the use of machine learning, predictive analytics, computer vision and other technologies to enhance efficiency and safety, and the decision-making process at all phases falls in the construction cycle.
2. What AI applications are there in preconstruction?
AI could be used in preconstruction in relation to improve cost estimation, schedule optimisation, risk assessments, site selection, and design optimisation.
3. Can AI save money on construction projects?
Yes, AI can save money as it uses machine-learning algorithms to reduce errors, predict maintenance, and improve resource optimisation. Reduction in delays leads to reduced costs.
4. What are the barriers to the utilisation of AI in construction?
Some barriers related to the use of AI in construction would be the upfront cost of investments, quality of data, staff acceptance, along with other non-technical issues, the problem of integration, and there are some existing legal issues or outstanding ethical issues.
5. What will the future of AI in construction look like?
The future of AI in construction will entail wider incorporation of AI with robotics, digital twins, and IoT, making it a more reliable, safer and efficient way to construct buildings as well as creating a more sustainable construction industry overall.