Are you on the fence about whether artificial intelligence (AI) has a helpful role in your upcoming construction project? Then, it is probably worth looking at a new peer-reviewed paper, "Sustainable Cities and Society." The paper, published in the journal "Sustainable Cities and Society," looks at the growing evidence supporting AI's power to have a substantial real-time impact on areas including predictive maintenance, safety monitoring, resource optimization and quality control. 

The review gleans insights and evidence from 91 publications between January 2000 and November 2023, focusing extensively on building projects' design, planning, construction, operation and maintenance.

“In recent years, the construction industry has experienced a transformative shift due to the progression of AI technologies,” the authors write. “This shift has been characterized by a fundamental redirection in how construction processes are designed, planned and executed. AI’s integration has transformed current practices, introducing innovative methodologies and tools that optimize various facets of the construction lifecycle.”

The paper provides excellent overviews of several real-time applications for AI in construction, including:

  • Predictive maintenance. AI algorithms can now analyze real-time data from sensors embedded in machinery and equipment on sites. “By monitoring variables such as temperature, vibration, and usage patterns, AI can predict potential equipment failures before they occur,” enabling builders to take a more proactive approach, minimize downtime and slash repair costs.
  • Safety Monitoring: Cameras and sensors powered by AI can monitor sites in real time to proactively uncover hazards such as falls, unauthorized personnel, or equipment failures, thereby improving overall site safety.
  • Resource Optimization: AI can adjust construction schedules and resource allocations based on changing weather conditions, material availability and workforce productivity, maximizing efficiency and reducing waste.
  • Quality Control: Computer systems infused with AI technology can inspect materials and components to ensure compliance with standards and other specs. By detecting issues during construction, AI allows builders to take immediate corrective actions to maintain quality. 

For those struggling to understand better some of the most common technical uses of AI in the construction industry, the paper provides a helpful overview of four: 

  • Data Integration: AI applications in the construction industry rely on integrating data from multiple sources, including sensors, drones, BIM models and historical project data. Effective data management and developing interoperability standards to allow AI algorithms to access and analyze diverse data is vital.
  • Machine Learning Models: Algorithms in construction projects often leverage machine learning techniques such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. Machine learning algorithms require extensive training on specific data sets to learn patterns to predict outcomes and make decisions autonomously.
  • Edge Computing: Edge computing technologies allow the processing of large volumes of data generated by sensors and cameras. They enable AI algorithms to run locally, reducing latency and bandwidth demands and allowing real-time decision-making.
  • Human-AI Collaboration: Effective human-AI collaboration “involves integrating AI tools into existing workflows, providing training and support for workers to interact with AI systems, and leveraging human expertise to interpret AI-generated insights and make informed decisions,” the article said. 

The research review acknowledges AI's "pivotal role in advancing sustainability within projects and its transformative impact.” The authors write, “AI functions not only as a catalyst but also as a guiding influence, reshaping conventional methodologies and approaches to conform with sustainable practices.”

Looking ahead, the authors note, “The increasing complexity of modern construction is now the main driver for developing interest in AI. As the construction industry moves forward, future research efforts should persist in delving deeper into the challenges hindering AI adoption in construction while exploring its vast opportunities.” 

 

Click here for the full report.