How designers and contractors are leveraging artificial intelligence

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["b"],["em"],["i"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.constructconnect.com\/blog","target","_blank"]]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"From analyzing risk during pre-construction to validating code compliance to site safety, here\u2019s a look at AI solutions that are boosting productivity in design and construction, from AIA partner ConstructConnect. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Artificial intelligence in construction is here, and it is poised to transform our industry. As we enter this next frontier of construction technology, it is essential to understand what artificial intelligence is and how it offers unique solutions to advance the productivity and performance of the construction industry. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The data-rich, complex modern construction environment offers a potential advantage to those businesses that can harness data, produce intelligible insights, and make informed strategic decisions. AI is establishing a footing in the construction industry following years of development and imagination. "]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[0],1,"What is artificial intelligence?"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Artificial intelligence is not a new idea; its roots can be traced back to the 1950s. Arthur Samuel, a pioneer in the field, defined it as \u201cthe field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without explicitly being programmed.\u201d In other words, AI involves computers and systems that learn from experience. The purpose of AI is to make machines do things that humans are presently doing, but do them better and faster. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Artificial intelligence is a field in data science that blends computer technology with hefty amounts of data to enable problem-solving. You may have experienced AI in a voice search with Amazon\u2019s Alexa or Apple\u2019s Siri. Search engines also power results with AI to collect and retrieve relevant information based on user inquiries. Videos suggested to you by YouTube or Netflix are AI-driven results that recommend titles based on learning your preferences and viewing habits. "]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[0],1,"Artificial intelligence in preconstruction project stages"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Here\u2019s a look at how artificial intelligence is changing how preconstruction planning is performed. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Pre-design:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AI in the pre-design or initial project planning and development phase is helpful for feasibility studies to determine if a project is viable. Risks can be identified and analyzed with various data, including financial data, market data, and data on the project\u0027s potential impact on the environment. Risk analysis can assist in deciding whether to proceed with the project. AI is a powerful tool at this stage because it offers thoroughness and accuracy, along with a general lack of bias. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Design development:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Design development is a critical phase in the project development process. It involves taking the conceptual design and turning it into a more detailed and buildable design, moving from general ideas to more specific ones. The design development phase is where many important decisions are made that will shape the final project, including cost, energy efficiency, and overall functionality. Artificial intelligence can play a significant role in this phase by providing new tools and techniques to improve the efficiency and quality of the design development process. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Construction documents:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AI-based tools can be used to automate the process of extracting, analyzing, and processing data from construction documents. For example, natural language processing (NLP) can be used to analyze project requirements and create a detailed project scope document based on two-dimensional construction plans like PDF files. NLP has been around for over a half-century and is the component of AI that understands and interprets human language, written and spoken. This can save time and resources compared to the tedium of traditional methods, such as manual data entry or spreadsheet calculations."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Bidding and negotiation:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Trade contractors, general contractors, and building supply manufacturers assess the project scope, identify opportunities to pursue, analyze bidding strategies, and decide which projects clear the hurdle for success. Trade contractors can use the power of AI to streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks like takeoffs, and improve the speed at which decisions like vetting profitable projects are made. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Permitting and approvals:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Artificial intelligence is used in this phase to validate building code compliance and manage the building permit process. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Finalize preconstruction:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Effective preconstruction planning and strategic decision-making are key components of profitability for trades, general contractors, and building product manufacturers. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The preconstruction stages can become more complex due to the nature of the project, the inherent need for effective communication and collaboration among teams, and local and national regulations, among others. Time and budget issues are consistently make-or-break drivers of a profitable construction project. Technology like AI offers an opportunity to improve performance throughout the preconstruction lifecycle. "]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[0],1,"Where else AI and construction are teaming up"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Aside from preconstruction, AI is continuing to emerge in other areas of construction, enabling improvements in performance and safety. Some examples include:"]]],[3,"ul",[[[0,[],0,"Predictive maintenance: AI can be used to analyze data from building systems, such as HVAC and electrical systems, to predict when maintenance will be needed and prevent equipment failure.\n"]],[[0,[],0,"Site safety: AI-powered cameras and sensors (even some worn by workers) can monitor construction sites for potential safety hazards and alert workers and managers to potential dangers."]],[[0,[],0,"Robotics: The efficiency of AI and machine learning have found their way into robotic bricklaying, welding, and even building entire structures with 3D printing.\n"]],[[0,[],0,"Project management: AI can optimize the allocation of labor and materials, making the scheduling of construction tasks more efficient and cost-effective.\n"]],[[0,[],0,"Quality control: AI-powered cameras and sensors can monitor the quality of construction work, identify defects, and alert workers and managers to issues that need to be addressed.\n\u200b"]],[[0,[],0,"Building performance: AI could be used to analyze data from building systems to optimize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and other performance metrics. Simulating building efficiency with AI, for instance, allows the identification of potential energy-depriving areas for better design and construction. "]]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\n"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\n"]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[0],1,"AI is an enhancer of knowledge and insight"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It is common to hear that computers trained to think like humans are a threat to stealing jobs from people. But construction is inherently reliant on vast institutional and individual knowledge, something that AI cannot replace. Where human judgment is involved, and we know that\u2019s everywhere throughout the construction project lifecycle, AI does not have the capability we humans do. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It\u0027s more likely that certain roles and responsibilities will change as AI is implemented. AI combined with a company\u2019s organizational knowledge will offer much greater strategic opportunities than those not adopting the technologies to streamline performance and make better data-driven decisions."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The present and future of AI in the construction industry are promising as more AI-based tools and techniques become integrated into workflows. As technology advances, AI is expected to become an even more integral part of the construction process, helping to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance construction performance outcomes. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AI in the construction industry has landed. Get ready for it."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[2],0,"Get the latest news on our industry collaborations. "],[0,[3],1,"Subscribe to our resources now"],[0,[],1,"! "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"AIA does not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether \npublic or private, operated for profit. Further, no AIA officer, \ndirector, committee member, or employee, or any of its component \norganizations in his or her official capacity, is permitted to approve, \nsponsor, endorse, or do anything that may be deemed or construed to be \nan approval, sponsorship, or endorsement of any material of construction\n or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in\n any material or product."]]]]}