Did you know that artificial intelligence in construction will be a 4.5 billion dollar industry by 2026? The industry is growing because contractors now understand the benefits of using modern technology to reduce costs, identify risks, and increase profit margins.

 

Construction planning involves developing a detailed plan of how a construction project will be designed and executed. Contractors can use artificial intelligence in all stages of the construction planning process.

AI during the preconstruction phase

There are a lot of ways in which AI can be used during the preconstruction phase. Structural engineers use AI to develop generative designs with ease. A normal engineering process involves brainstorming, designing, creating a prototype, and launching the design.

 

Though this is a tried and tested approach, it has certain flaws.

 

For instance, the structural engineer can make marginal errors that cause the device not to work as it should. AI can make it easy for structural engineers to develop construction devices with accurate predictions. Another benefit of generative designs is that they save architects and contractors valuable time.

AI and optioneering for construction scheduling

An example of an AI (or now referred to as ‘optioneering’) platform used for scheduling during the preconstruction phase is https://www.alicetechnologies.com/product/preconstruction. ALICE uses optioneering technology to simplify complex construction processes based on data.

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Such platforms can create 20 to 30 simulations in around three hours. If you were to simulate your construction project manually, this would take months, if not years. Once you get a resource-optimized schedule, you can create options or alternatives based on several data key sets.

 

For example, you can know the impact of working both night and day shifts versus working only during the day. Another example is the impact of building a skyscraper with two cranes as opposed to building it with one. The simulations will factor in the cost, productivity, and completion time.

 

AI during the construction planning stage

AI and BIM

BIM technology is used to create realistic 3D models. The technology has come far when compared to what it was in the early 2000s. When newer technologies emerged, BIM companies began incorporating them into their process.

 

AI and BIM are used together to improve efficiency and the model-building process.

 

AI technology can leverage BIM to collect tons of data that will be used to create several simulations based on each collected data set. As a result, architects and engineers can develop models much faster.

 

Another instance where BIM technology and artificial intelligence are used is to improve the safety of workers on construction sites. This process ensures that the software platforms collect information about site safety, and AI simulates how risk can be avoided.

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Site management

Artificial intelligence is currently used to manage construction sites by analyzing specific data sets. These data sets make it easy for the construction manager to make informed decisions during the construction phase.

 

One way that AI is used to ensure that the construction phase proceeds as planned is the use of AI sensors. AI sensors can be used to reduce energy costs by shutting down the HVAC system when it does not detect movement in the building.

 

Contractors can also use AI-powered IoT sensors to develop a maintenance strategy for buildings. The technology will scan the environment and advise on the best times when the building has minimal traffic. This way, maintenance work such as changing electrical circuits and cleaning the air conditioner will not disrupt regular work.

Risk mitigation

The larger a construction project, the riskier it is. However, AI can identify threats before they affect a construction project. For example, AI can use algorithms to determine whether workers will not complete a construction project on time.

 

Once it is known that a construction project cannot be completed on time, the contractor can develop solutions to rectify this problem.

AI to recover a stalled project

Unfortunately, some construction projects are not completed on time. If this happens and the project owner wants to recover the project, it is imperative to determine the root cause of the failure.

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Once you identify the root cause of the failure, recovery strategies can be developed. These recovery strategies are usually developed by using AI technology.

 

AI evaluates the problem and calculates how many resources will be required to complete the project within the new timeline. The same technology will advise on if the project goes off track and what is needed to ensure it does not stall again.

AI to increase productivity

AI performs repetitive tasks more efficiently than humans. An example of such technology is self-driving construction machinery, which is faster and more accurate. AI-powered machinery can also weld, pour concrete, and lay bricks. Because AI can do this faster, site productivity increases.

AI to plan for labor shortages

Another way AI can be used for construction planning is mapping out labor and machinery distribution. A McKinsey report stated that in 2020, there were more than 400,000 unfilled job positions. AI solves labor problems by scanning a job site to determine job progress.

 

Other companies are developing AI robots to scan various sites and determine which has less labor present. Companies can then distribute more resources to those sites to prevent delays.

 

Contractors can also use AI to forecast price increases, such as those in essential materials like cement and metals.

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In a nutshell, AI technology, when fully adopted, has the potential to transform the construction industry. Contractors will have fewer safety-related incidences and can create effective, cost-saving schedules.

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