Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to impact the construction industry in many substantial and profitability-related ways. This technology, which surfaced as long ago as 1951, has taken hold in recent years, and industry is capitalizing on its benefits while finding ways to combat the challenges it can impose. Following are some of the ways AI might make a difference for your construction business:
Project planning and design
AI can generate design alternatives based on specified criteria, helping contractors optimize designs for cost, energy efficiency, building aesthetics, strength of the structure, and other factors. We have seen through the years how designs of skyscrapers have changed, how residential projects are being designed for better hurricane/wind protection, or how buildings are being fit into unusual spaces. AI could help designers and builders create skyscrapers that will be stronger as they reach higher. Residential projects could be designed to withstand stronger hurricanes and tornados and even higher energy efficiency and to combat the effects of earthquakes so that structures remain safe and standing throughout such catastrophic events.
In consideration of a building’s lifecycle, AI could help planners and designers optimize the operation of building systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and support such initiatives as renewable energy integration, smart building automation, and plan design energy audits, all to improve energy efficiency and reduce operations costs over time. With energy efficiency and reduced operating costs in mind during the planning phase, the general contractor now has another value-add to offer clients, increasing their bottom line, which ultimately should improve the contractor’s own profitability.
Cost estimation and budgeting
AI can analyze historical project data, market trends, and other factors to provide more accurate cost estimates, helping contractors in their budgeting and financial planning for a project. While it might take a person many hours to assemble a budget and research cost trends, AI can do it in minutes, allowing the contractor to use that time to ensure the aspects of a project are met or that a proposal is comprehensive.
Contractors all too often lose a bid due to overestimating costs resulting in a bid too high to be accepted. Or they can win a bid only to find at the completion of the job that they had underestimated costs and their expected gross profit has declined or evaporated, or worse, that they lost money on the job. Cost benchmarking by AI can be used to analyze industry benchmarks and cost indices to ensure that cost estimates are aligned with industry standards, helping contractors avoid overestimating or underestimating costs, thereby improving their competitiveness.
Construction Site Operations
Drones are now in common use, but what about equipping a drone with AI to monitor your construction site for progress, safety compliance and quality assurance and quality control? A construction superintendent would be able to monitor the job site more efficiently with the help of an AI-assisted drone or have the drone maneuver into places where only it could fit to observe for better quality assurance and quality control. In addition, AI-powered image recognition can be used to identify defects or deviations from specifications during construction.
AI could also be used in tasks like bricklaying and welding. It could help your team accomplish a goal quicker or in the same amount of time at less expense, on a more efficient timetable or work longer to help you keep a project on schedule or complete a project ahead of schedule.
Autonomous vehicles and equipment powered by AI can enhance efficiency and safety on construction sites by automating tasks such as excavation, material transport, and equipment operation.
Considerations
AI offers contractors numerous potential benefits. But it also poses challenges, such as data security, privacy concerns, and the need to upskill your workforce. Such regulatory compliance and ethical concerns should be considered to ensure AI implementation is responsible and sustainable. Construction contractors need to carefully consider these factors as they integrate AI technologies into their operations.
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