The complexity of global construction projects is constantly growing, and the conventional methods of construction have started failing to meet the demands of efficiency and accuracy. To tackle this issue, AI in the construction industry has been a boon and has boosted the operations in construction projects. From design to management, AI is revolutionizing the way things work in the construction. 

So, in this blog, we will delve deep into the applications of AI in the construction industry, how it optimizes projects, improves safety, and boosts productivity, and what benefits it adds. 

An Overview of Artificial Intelligence 

To understand the role of AI in the construction industry, let us first go through a brief summary of what the terms like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) mean. 

Artificial intelligence is the field of computer science that lets computers mimic human cognitive abilities. It basically gives power to the computer to think, analyze, solve problems, decide, and take action on the basis of data-driven analysis. 

A subset of AI is machine learning, which trains the AI models with the relevant data, using which AI models respond to different types of inputs. Machine learning trains the AI algorithms with different ways of learning, like supervised learning, in which labeled data is used to train the AI model, and unsupervised learning, in which the model is trained to respond to the inputs by identifying the patterns in the training data set. 

Last is deep learning, which is a subset of ML and is used to train AI models to identify complex patterns in the given input. Deep learning is used for handling complex data, speech recognition, and image recognition. 

Using AI Tools for Construction Management 

AI-powered construction management software helps construction businesses streamline the construction processes using AI’s automation in most of the tasks like planning, scheduling, monitoring, and management. Moreover, artificial intelligence-backed software can analyze vast amounts of data to provide valuable insights, and predictions which help in better construction managemen and improve the decision-making. Below is the list of benefits of using AI software in the construction industry. 

  • Optimized strategizing and scheduling 
  • Enhanced productivity and accuracy
  • Better financial planning
  • Automated workforce allocation and management 
  • Save resources like time and money
  • Quality control and assurance
  • Real-time monitoring and reporting
  • Competitive advantage
  • Ensured safety on the worksite 

Applications of AI in the Construction Industry 

Following are the applications of AI in the construction industry: 

1. AI-Powered Cost Prediction & Control 

Going over the budget and wastage of material is a loophole that we commonly find in most of construction projects. AI-powered construction software helps to set limits to expenditure by predicting the estimated costs and material required while considering factors like the project’s budget, project size, contract type, duration, the competence level of project managers, etc. Using relevant data, it can also identify the areas where cost-cutting can be done.  

2. Generative Design For Improved Project Outcomes

Creating a 3D BIM (Building Information Management) design is crucial for architecture, engineers, and construction teams to build effective strategies for designing and constructing the project. For this, the 3D BIM model must consider the architecture, engineering, and MEP (Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) plans to avoid any clashes between these departments among each other.  Also, with the help of AI, construction designs can be made more qualitative and accurate through data-driven analysis. 

3. Mitigating Risks With Effective Planning Strategies

The construction industry is filled with risks in one form and another. Moreover, construction consultants or managers parallelly work on multiple projects at different locations, due to which negligible attention is given to the risky procedures. Therefore, to manage this situation better, AI and ML models monitor and schedule tasks of different projects on the basis of priority, which helps the staff in doing efficient resource allocation and time management, allowing them to work closely on more risky tasks.  

4. Comprehensive Project Planning For Success

AI’s technique of reinforcement learning, which is basically a trial and error method to make the machine learn by trying different combinations, is an all-rounder approach for the construction teams to build project plans. The AI model can capture 3D images or 360-degree views of the construction site, and different combinations and alternatives of the construction designs can be made and analyzed, out of which the best-suited can be chosen. Furthermore, AI can even predict the amount of construction material and equipment that would be used to construct the product. Thus, from budget planning to design, AI can take care of everything. 

5. AI-Enabled Job Site Safety Enhancements

Construction laborers have always been at more risk than any other laborers. AI has this truly great ability to detect risks before they happen. For example, AI can scan the construction site and compare the visuals with the accidental data of construction sites, thus identifying areas with high risks of incidents. Moreover, AI models using computer vision can monitor workers in real time and raise alerts in case they are missing protective gear, caps, etc. 

6. Maximizing Efficiency & Precision with AI

AI can automate various tasks like 24/7 monitoring, task scheduling, resource allocation, financial management, and so on, which reduces the pressure on management teams, saves time and money, and minimizes human errors, thereby increasing the efficiency and accuracy of tasks. Also, AI-backed data-driven insights can help in making more informed decisions for intelligent planning and execution of the whole construction process. 

7. Better Workforce Management 

As construction managers manage projects at various locations, workforce allocation is one challenge they face. Using AI can help in estimating the number of workers required for constructing the project in the required time, and thus, helps in better workforce management. Moreover, the AI algorithm can easily record the worker’s data, including the number of days they worked, wages, personal details, and checks for their safety in real-time.  

8. AI-Driven Post-Construction Analysis & Optimization

AI can still be used even after the construction project is completed. With the help of devices like drones, sensors, and cameras, AI models can monitor the performance of the constructed building, produce data-driven insights for future reference, check for security, and predict preventive maintenance for the safety of the people. Apart from this, by scanning the constructed building or any new building, AI can guess the material that would be used to build it. 

Top AI technologies For Construction 

For a comprehensive understanding, let us now dig into some top AI technologies that are currently being used in the construction industry: 

Construction IQ

Autodesk’s construction IQ is a machine-learning and artificial intelligence-powered construction solution that works on four key areas- cost, schedule, quality, and safety. It helps in enhancing productivity of the daily work operations and helps in risk mitigation. Construction IQ even leverages the power of AI-backed data analysis to transform the data into actionable insights. 

Toric

Toric is a data movement platform designed for AECO that is used by various project teams to derive data from more than fifty construction sources and project management tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud, other designing scheduling tools, and more. The platform can be used to build insights using a data visualization dashboard and form reports to make more informed and quality decisions. Also, Toric’s AI even answers the user’s project-related questions.  

Oculo

Oculo is another leading AI tool that allows construction managers to do virtual monitoring of the construction project. Using AI technologies like computer vision and machine learning algorithms, it provides a 360-degree view of the construction site. It collects the visual data using which it can produce data-driven insights to assist the construction leaders with intelligent decision-making. 

EarthCam 

As the name says, EarthCam is a live camera AI technology that allows construction businesses to have real-time insights into ongoing construction projects. From live camera to time-lapse, EarthCam is an all-rounder in providing visual access to the construction site. It uses edge computer vision which exceeds the capabilities of human eyes, thus helping in efficient monitoring. By automating alerts, tags, and visualizations, EarthCam reduces the pressure on management and allows them to focus on more important tasks instead of monitoring. 

viAct 

viAct is an advanced AI-powered software that is revolutionizing construction site monitoring by automating the tracking of safety, productivity, and maintenance. It seamlessly integrates with on-site cameras, enabling real-time detection of safety violations or productivity issues. The captured data is then presented in a user-friendly dashboard, allowing construction teams to identify and address any concerns related to safety compliance or inefficiencies.

Conclusion

Adopting AI-powered tools and software for your construction business can drastically transform the current operations, boost revenue generation, and increase productivity by automating most of the tasks and saving time and resources. 

As the world is turning smarter, more digital, and more advanced, people prefer living, and working in spaces that are more technologically driven. That’s why, to build such smart buildings and to meet public demands, adopting advanced construction management ways is important. 

Looking to develop an AI construction management tool for your construction business? Go no where because Build Future AI is leading the development of AI-backed software. 

Contact us via email: business@buildufture.ai and discover the potential of your project idea!