Introduction
Artificial intelligence has been revolutionizing multiple industries for a while now, and construction is no exception.
Efficiency via process automation makes it much easier to execute construction projects and minimize deadlines as well as other potential obstacles.
But what are the exact areas where AI shines for those working in construction? Let’s take a deeper look at those areas.
1. Project Planning and Designing
A construction project has to start with planning and designing. You cannot show up to a construction site and wing it, building something from scratch.
Before the rise of automation, engineers and architects would have to spend hours working on blueprints. The struggle to finish the project on time is a significant problem. Not to mention that if you are on a tight deadline, you are more prone to errors, which can snowball into significant issues down the road.
AI-powered software solves the problem by generating accurate project models. Architects and engineers don’t have to worry about creating everything from nothing themselves. Instead, they can treat AI tools as a companion who does the heavy lifting.
2. Streamlined Communication
A construction site is a busy place. Depending on its size, it could cover a wide range of different specialists and anyone else who might be involved in the project.
Streamlining communication via AI means that fewer resources get wasted to share information. People involved with the project can focus on strategic activities.
Of course, it’s crucial to ensure that all communication channels are working flawlessly or nearly flawlessly. Relying on AI is great, but one shouldn’t trust everything to it when it comes to communication. It’s more about providing fast, real-time answers to various queries, a communication area in which AI truly shines.
3. Quality and Safety Management
Worker safety should be of utmost importance and a priority. Some project managers neglect quality control and safety because they want to save money.
AI-powered equipment is a solution that is not only efficient but also relatively cheap. Drones are a great example. They come equipped with cameras and sensors to inspect and detect potential hazards. Inspection drones have AI-assisted autonomy to collect data and embedded vision algorithms visible on a computer screen.
Drones also eliminate the need to risk a worker’s safety in reaching difficult-to-access areas. Non-destructive testing capabilities are worth a shout as well. Testing a surface without damaging it is a significant advantage when you want to preserve it.
As far as quality control goes, projects come with compliance that exists via agreed specifications and conditions in advance.
If a project’s quality suffers, there’s no telling what might happen. The entire thing could turn out to be a waste of everyone’s time and money.
In addition to using physical drones, construction project managers should also consider investing in EIDA software that addresses potential quality concerns and helps solve them.
4. Scheduling and Resource Allocation
As mentioned already, resource allocation might turn out to be a significant issue for project managers. Different construction projects have different resource availability. Hence, it is imperative to ensure optimization and fit in the available frames.
AI comes in handy with its trend analysis by looking at historical data and suggesting how many materials you’ll need, for instance.
Another example is equipment performance. Predicting maintenance needs helps prepare for potential downtime and minimize it.
Overall, construction projects generate a lot of data, and it’s easy to miss something if you are not paying enough attention. AI algorithms identify patterns and offer insights to decision-makers, improving overall efficiency.
Closing Thoughts
To sum everything up, AI is a valuable asset to those working in the instruction industry. It streamlines various processes, reduces downtime, offers safety options for workers, and more.
Having said that, construction project managers should still treat artificial intelligence with caution. There are no guarantees, and despite its increasing role, AI presents its own challenges, such as a growing demand for AI experts in various fields, including instruction.
Still, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and AI is bound to improve with time, making an even bigger case for itself in various fields, including construction.
