Looking back, AI was undeniably the most widely discussed technological subject of 2023. Its potential has been embraced by virtually every sector, spanning from retail and advertising to healthcare and finance. The construction sector is no different.
According to a rceent survey from Deloitte, utilizing AI and advanced data analytics technology in construction projects has the potential to deliver substantial cost savings ranging from 10% to 15%. These technologies can also enhance the design review process and aid teams in generating more precise estimates, ultimately resulting in reduced budgets and timeline deviations by approximately 10-20%, along with a decrease in engineering hours by 10-30%.
The profound impact of artificial intelligence is the reason why the construction market is poised to witness significant growth in AI adoption, with an estimated value of $151.1 billion by 2032.
Trend 1: Solving design and scheduling challenges
In 2024, the use of AI in the construction industry will be increasingly prominent. One application will be regenerative design/optimization, where design teams establish parameters and AI tools generate simulations to determine the form and structure of infrastructure and buildings. AI tools will also be able to assist in solving complex infrastructure problems by optimizing various parameters.
Another area of focus for AI will be regenerative project scheduling. Construction teams will define workflow sequence relationships on 3D models, and AI tools will have the capacity to generate schedule simulations for project delivery.
AI will also aid in proofreading, paraphrasing, and rectifying document grammatical errors. AI tools can also be utilized to capture meeting minutes, offering a less biased and more comprehensive account of discussions.
Trend 2: A focus on providing value-added tasks
As AI technology continues to advance and become more accessible, we can expect to see even more value-added operational tasks being performed through AI. This means that instead of simply automating repetitive or mundane tasks, AI is now being used to enhance and improve existing processes.
By partnering with AI tech providers or AI-driven digital tools, construction teams can gain valuable insights and advice on how to optimize their projects and operations. This not only leads to increased efficiency but also frees up employees’ time to focus on more complex and meaningful tasks. These tools can perform tasks such as analyzing data, predicting potential hazards, and providing real-time updates on project progress. This not only speeds up the construction process but also ensures a safer work environment for employees.
Furthermore, AI is also being used in quality control and risk management within construction projects. By analyzing data and identifying potential issues or errors early on, AI can help prevent costly mistakes and delays.
AI is also increasingly being integrated into project management and scheduling. By analyzing data and patterns, AI can generate accurate and efficient schedules that take into account various factors such as weather, resource availability, and potential roadblocks. This not only saves time, but also improves the overall planning process for complex projects of any size or scale.
Trend 3: Preparing for a surge of AI-powered tools
With the continuous advancement of AI technology, businesses and organizations are now faced with a unique opportunity to optimize their operations and stay ahead of the competition. As more AI-powered tools become available, companies can look forward to increased efficiency and improved decision-making processes.
We expect to see more AI-powered tools integrated into our daily lives, offering opportunities to explore their potential in enhancing our work. Increased exposure to AI not only improves job performance but also reduces concerns about its complexities. It emphasizes the significance of careful data collection, showing how data can be a powerful asset for gaining a competitive advantage.
One example where AI is set to make a significant impact is in data gathering and analysis. With the ability to process vast amounts of data at lightning-fast speeds, AI-powered tools can help businesses gain valuable insights and make more informed decisions. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and better customer experiences.
Trend 4: Transforming standard operating procedures in construction in 2024
AI is predicted to play a pivotal role in supporting the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the construction industry. The AEC industry will need to prioritize its most significant challenges to identify and implement AI solutions that genuinely address real-world problems. Building trust and confidence in AI will be a gradual process.
Industry leaders, particularly those with dedicated R&D or Innovation Departments, will be leaps and bounds ahead of counterparts without technology-focused units. These forward-thinking organizations will leverage AI tools capable of analyzing contract documents, extracting schedules, and exporting recommended sequencing and duration information. Project engineers will undergo a gradual shift from redundant data entry across various storage locations to focusing solely on ensuring the quality control of data submitted to a common data environment (CDE).
AI can play a transformative role in standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data management in construction projects, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. Here are some ways AI can assist in transforming data SOPs in construction:
- Automated data entry and validation: AI-powered tools can automate the entry of data into construction databases, reducing manual errors and ensuring data accuracy. The technology can also validate data against predefined standards, ensuring compliance with SOPs.
- Data cleansing and enrichment: AI algorithms can analyze and cleanse large datasets, identifying inconsistencies, errors, or missing information. Additionally, AI can enrich data by filling in gaps through predictive analysis or accessing external databases.
- Quality control and compliance monitoring: AI can assist in quality control by analyzing data for deviations from set standards and SOPs. It can automatically flag potential compliance issues, ensuring that construction activities align with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and project specifications.
- Collaborative data platforms: AI-powered collaborative platforms enable seamless sharing and updating of project data among various stakeholders. This ensures that all team members are working with the most current and accurate information, promoting collaboration and adherence to SOPs.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) for documentation: AI-driven NLP tools can analyze and extract insights from textual documentation, streamlining the process of understanding and adhering to SOPs outlined in construction project documentation.
By integrating AI into data SOPs in construction projects, these technologies contribute to a more streamlined, accurate, and proactive approach to data management
Trend 5: Seamless, interconnected data across construction management platforms
In 2023, generative AI became widely accessible, revolutionizing the mainstream. The construction industry now envisions AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and predictability throughout the project lifecycle. Looking ahead to 2024, we expect in increasing transition from experimenting with generative AI and foundation models to integrating AI-powered capabilities directly into construction workflows – meaning more interconnected and smarter building ecosystems.
Construction professionals report that they often spend nearly 20% of their time searching for the right data. The growing emphasis on AI will underscore the fundamental significance of construction management platforms in ensuring data quality and standardization. AI will enable unparalleled access to interconnected data throughout the platform. Prompt access to accurate information, presented in a user-friendly manner, coupled with real-time predictive analytics, will greatly enhance decision support both on-site and in the office, facilitating improved productivity on a day-to-day basis.
As time goes on, AI and foundation models have the potential to evolve into a multi-modal system, seamlessly integrating various forms of data such as text, images, 2D plans, BIM data, and structured data. These advancements will unlock the potential for more automated AI-powered workflows, enhancing prediction and efficiency in conceptual design, estimation, project planning, coordination, project management, and field management.
Mastering innovation: Final thoughts on AI’s role in 2024 construction
The construction industry is poised to experience a significant transformation through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024. The leading AI trends that are set to dominate this year promise to revolutionize how construction projects are planned, executed, and managed. From autonomous heavy machinery to predictive analytics and smart safety systems, AI is paving the way for smarter and more efficient construction practices.
As we look ahead, it is clear that AI will play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress in the construction sector. The adoption of AI technologies can enhance productivity, reduce costs, improve safety, and enable better decision-making throughout the construction lifecycle. However, it is important for industry professionals to embrace these trends with caution and ensure that ethical considerations and human oversight are maintained.
By harnessing the power of AI, the construction industry has the potential to overcome challenges, streamline processes, and deliver projects with greater efficiency and precision.
Get started with digital construction management and explore smarter ways to build in 2024 – book a free PlanRadar product demo to find out more.
