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 | Feb 16, 2017
Positioning computational designers in your business: 4 things to consider
There appears to be very little industry consensus as to what a ‘computational design’ position actually means in a business setting.
AEC Tech | Jan 30, 2017
Building Design+Construction launches Accelerate Live! AEC innovation conference
This fast-paced forum will showcase 18 business and tech visionaries from AEC Giant firms, who will explore the future of the AEC industry and the changing built environment.
| Jan 24, 2017
BD+C Accelerate Live! AEC Innovation Conference
Building Design+Construction's inaugural Accelerate Live!
AEC Tech | Dec 22, 2016
The success of your data strategy depends on healthy business practices
Data and digital tools are an absolute given to today’s building design and construction process. But creating a true data-driven workflow requires more than just a solid strategy, writes Proving Ground’s Nathan Miller.
AEC Tech | Dec 18, 2016
Customized future weather data now available for online purchase
Simulation tool, developed by Arup and Argos Analytics, is offered to help owners and AEC firms devise resilience strategies for buildings.
Virtual Reality | Nov 16, 2016
Converting 3D model files to VR, with one click
IrisVR offers two new products to simplify and enhance the application of virtual reality for designing projects.
AEC Tech | Sep 6, 2016
Innovation intervention: How AEC firms are driving growth through R&D programs
AEC firms are taking a page from the tech industry, by infusing a deep commitment to innovation and disruption into their cultural DNA.
Hardware | Aug 11, 2016
Kyocera introduces the DuraForce PRO, a rugged smartphone equipped with an HD action camera (UPDATED)
The Super Wide View HD Action Camera and rugged design allow users to capture their adventures on land, air, or sea.
AEC Tech | Jun 27, 2016
If ‘only the paranoid survive,’ what does it take to thrive?
“Sooner or later, something fundamental in your business world will change.” The late Andrew Grove (1936-2016), Co-founder of tech giant Intel Corp., lived by these words.
AEC Tech | Jun 17, 2016
Driverless cars could soon start impacting commercial, retail project design
Offsite parking and more space for valet parking lines are among the foreseeable changes.