Associated Builders and Contractors has released an artificial intelligence (AI) technology guide for the U.S. construction industry. AI in Construction — What Does It Mean for Our Contractors? outlines definitions, construction use cases, and considerations for the implementation of AI in construction.
“The purpose of the guide is to provide a level of knowledge to ensure contractors can be active participants in the construction AI conversation,” according to Associated Builders and Contractors.
The guide describes uses of AI during the construction project lifecycle, including preconstruction, construction, and building maintenance. It also provides definitions of terms such as deep learning and predictive AI, as well as best practices in drafting office AI policies.
“The possibilities of AI technology may sound endless, but we must first educate ourselves on the basics, and this resource is a starting point to understand AI and its potential impact on the construction industry,” said Patrick Scarpati, ABC Director of Construction Technology and Innovation. “The industry has immense opportunities to evaluate how we can better deliver projects, and we can lean on AI in achieving essential goals like upskilling, workforce development, knowledge transfer, supply chain optimization, enhanced safety design and planning, and much more.”
Use cases for AI in construction
The guide offers more than 20 uses cases and project management impacts across preconstruction, construction, and building maintenance, including:
Predictive Analytics: Analyze historical project data and current conditions to optimize construction schedules, resource allocation and task sequencing.
Supply Chain: Throughout the procurement process for self-performing contractors, artificial intelligence will empower the purchasing team to quickly identify availability and best pricing within a certain region.
Contract Review: Empower legal teams to quickly identify critical risk factors in construction contracts
Computer Vision/Intelligent Site Monitoring: Increase safety and security on jobsites. Through machine learning, video footage is trained to detect things like the number of workers entering/exiting the jobsite, workers in proximity of heavy construction machinery and even safety violations, such as the lack of face protection while saw-cutting concrete
Energy Management: Analyze energy usage patterns and optimize HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and overall costs
Predictive Maintenance: Through the expanded use of building automation and control networks, AI can predict when building equipment is likely to fail, allowing for a proactive response.
According to ABC, “This resource is meant to act as a starting point in your journey to understand AI and its potential impact on the construction industry. By reading through definitions, construction use cases and considerations, the reader should walk away with a level of knowledge to ensure they can actively participate in future conversations on AI in construction.”
Related Stories
Sponsored | AEC Tech | Apr 3, 2018
4 reasons to take a closer look at your project metrics
We've all heard that data is important, but what role does it really play in your business?
AEC Tech | Mar 7, 2018
Interoperability for the building industry – More wicked problems
This article is a follow up to Nathan Miller's 2016 article “The Wicked Problem of Interoperability”.
AEC Tech | Feb 28, 2018
Nine tips to bridge the cybernetic design gap
Unlike other technologies we have seen, augmented and virtual reality are looking to have staying power in a truly disruptive way.
AEC Tech | Jan 29, 2018
thyssenkrupp tests self-driving robot for ‘last mile’ delivery of elevator parts
“With driverless delivery robots, we could fill a gap and get spare parts from our warehouses to the jobsite faster,” said thyssenkrupp SVP Ivo Siebers.
AEC Tech | Jan 25, 2018
Four high-tech solutions to mitigate theft on the jobsite
Geo-fencing and drone surveillance are among the tech solutions for protecting jobsites from asset loss.
BD+C University Course | Jan 2, 2018
The art and science of rendering: Visualization that sells architecture [AIA course]
3D artist Ramy Hanna offers guidelines and tricks-of-the-trade to ensure that project artwork is a stunning depiction of the unbuilt space.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Dec 21, 2017
Interactive map includes detailed information on historic New York City buildings
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new, enhanced version of its interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks.
AEC Tech | Dec 20, 2017
6 CFD post-processing tips to improve visualization productivity and quality
Southland Engineering’s Abdullah Karimi offers helpful tips for making computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models more productive.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 3, 2017
4 strategies for marketing your AEC firm
Having a clearly defined competitive brand and a fine-tuned marketing approach can give your firm a significant competitive advantage.
Sponsored | AEC Tech | Oct 19, 2017
3 reasons why your firm needs cloud software
For firms looking to propel their architectural design services to new heights and levels of sophistication, a consolidated cloud-based platform is a valuable asset.