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
AEC Tech | Oct 6, 2017
How professional bias can sabotage industry transformation
Professional bias can take the form of change-resistant thinking that can keep transformational or innovative ambitions at bay. Tech consultant Nate Miller presents three kinds of bias that often emerge when a professional is confronted with new technology.
AEC Tech | Aug 25, 2017
Software cornucopia: Jacksonville Jaguars’ new practice facility showcases the power of computational design
The project team employed Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and a host of other software applications to design and build this uber-complex sports and entertainment facility.
AEC Tech | Aug 24, 2017
Big Data helps space optimization, but barriers remain
Space optimization is a big issue on many university campuses, as schools face increasing financial constraints, writes Hanbury’s Jimmy Stevens.
Lighting | Aug 2, 2017
Dynamic white lighting mimics daylighting
By varying an LED luminaire’s color temperature, it is possible to mimic daylighting, to some extent, and the natural circadian rhythms that accompany it, writes DLR Group’s Sean Avery.
Office Buildings | Jul 20, 2017
SGA uses virtual design and construction technology to redevelop N.Y. building into modern offices
287 Park Avenue South is a nine-story Classical Revival building previously known as the United Charities Building.
Accelerate Live! | Jul 6, 2017
Watch all 20 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s inaugural AEC innovation conference, Accelerate Live! (May 11, Chicago), featured talks on machine learning, AI, gaming in construction, maker culture, and health-generating buildings.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Is the road to the future the path of least resistance? Sasha Reed, Bluebeam (sponsored)
Bluebeam’s Sasha Reed discusses why AEC leaders should give their teams permission to responsibly break things and create ecosystems of people, process, and technology.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: 3D laser scanning for the project lifecycle, FARO Technologies (sponsored)
Brent Slawnikowski of FARO Technologies and Jennifer Suerth of Pepper Construction discuss how implementation of laser scanning has helped Pepper become more successful in the completion of their projects.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Incubating innovation through R&D and product development, Jonatan Schumacher, Thornton Tomasetti
Thornton Tomasetti’s Jonatan Schumacher presents the firm’s business model for developing, incubating, and delivering cutting-edge tools and solutions for the firm, and the greater AEC market.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: The future of computational design, Ben Juckes, Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign
Yazdani’s Ben Juckes discusses the firm’s tech-centric culture, where scripting has become an every-project occurrence and each designer regularly works with computational tools as part of their basic toolset.