A Construction AI Primer: AI Deep Learning

Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), is the foundation of generative AI. It involves training artificial neural networks to learn and make decisions from vast amounts of data. What does it do for construction?

This content is available to paid subscribers only. To unlock this page, click the button and subscribe. Already a subscriber? Please log in now.

Become a Premium Subscriber

Access to all articles, e-books and other material.

Access to the 75-page Guide to ChatGPT for Design and Construction report (a $95 value)

Participate in Subscriber Forums

Post comments on articles

Recent Articles

AI-Powered Construction Management Part 4 - #2: OBS

In this next chapter, we focus on a crucial element of the pre-construction phase: the Organization Breakdown Structure (OBS). A well-planned OBS is the backbone of any project, and during pre-construction, it becomes vital to lay the groundwork for who will manage and execute the project’s various components.

ChatGPT Canvas: Safety Documentation Creation with Real-Time AI Editing

One of the pitfalls of working with generative AI chatbots is the need to continuously navigate back and forth between the chat interface and a document you are working on. However, ChatGPT’s canvas feature lets you interact with and edit documents in real-time.

AI in the News 12/23/24

In the news, Open AI has a puported "game changing" model o3 coming in January, while its ChatGPT 5.0 "Orion" has fallen behind schedule. Google will add a new AI-mode to its search. Greater safety and efficiency is ahead for construction. Also see press releases including Suffolk's use of Boomi and the agreement between Skyline Robotics and Alimak Group, and the release of a couple forecast reports now available.

GPT-4o Image Query and Analysis - A Video Demonstration

In construction management, keeping pace with technological advancements is crucial for achieving efficiency and excellence. Recently, there has been a focus on exploring the capabilities of GPT-4o, utilizing its advanced features to analyze construction sites and optimize project planning with precision. Utilizing GPT-4o's image analysis feature, I captured a snapshot of a building under construction and demonstrate GTP-4o's capabilities.

AI In Construction News - 12/16/24

Our news roundup starts with "How the AI Revolution will influence what we build and how we build it" from MileHighCRE. Catch a local story out of Rochester on AI, drones & robotics, and a case study on leveraging AI for a high-rise residential project in Durham, NC. Also, find a piece on how integration of AI in construction contracts is revolutionizing the legal landscape and a McKinsey report on securing a career in the face of an AI future. Wrap up with a story on partnering for success in data center development.

The Evolution of AI Safety Advice: From Risky to Reliable?

In mid-2023, researchers published a study in Safety Science that examined ChatGPT's (3.5) ability to provide safety advice. The study found numerous issues with the model's responses, including contradictory advice, impractical recommendations, and potentially harmful guidance across nine safety domains. The landscape of AI capabilities has changed dramatically since the publication of that study, so I tested newer models ...

AI-Powered Construction Management Part 4 - #1: Identifying Stakeholders

In this first chapter of Part 4 of our eBook series AI-Powered Construction Management, we examine identification of project stakeholders. Stakeholders, whether internal team members or external entities, play a crucial role in the success of any project. This eBook chapter explores how AI, particularly ChatGPT, can streamline the identification and engagement process to improve project outcomes.

AI Primer: Digital Twin

A digital twin is an exact and dynamic virtual copy of an object in the physical realm. Digital twins are used in manufacturing, aviation, medicine and construction, to name the most common applications. The object of a digital twin may be a component, asset, system or process--a curtain wall panel, an entire building or building complex, or a city plan for construction.

AI Primer: The Internet of Things (IoT)

What is the Internet of Things? A network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. Devices range from simple sensors to complex industrial machinery. IoT can create a system where physical objects communicate, monitor conditions, automate processes and enhance decision-making through real-time data insights.

AI In Construction News - 12/02/24

In the news, Autodesk’s Amit Puri offers an assessment of how AI can address construction’s skills and talent shortage. Tribe, an company that creates AI applications offers “AI in Construction in 2024 and Beyond: Use Cases and Benefits” – a nice summary of AI applications in our industry. Also find several new stories about AI as applied to electrical contracting. Plus, press releases from Procore and Earthcam.

Machine Learning Applied to Construction Scheduling - AI as a Service

Chirag Soni, a veteran in the construction industry, has launched Gantt AI, a groundbreaking solution designed to transform construction scheduling. Leveraging extensive expertise from managing large-scale projects worldwide, Chirag and his team at Gantt AI are pioneering a new era in project management efficiency.

Better AI Prompts for Construction Health and Safety

Throughout several articles, we have yet to devote many words to the topic of prompting. However, crafting good prompts leads to better output from generative AI. So, let's cover some basic prompting techniques that will help anyone using generative AI get better results.