As technology develops and new innovations emerge, construction firms continue to navigate a transformative – and challenging – era. New research from Bluebeam reveals that while there is enthusiasm about the future of AI use in construction, some obstacles remain
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector faces rising costs, persistent skills shortages and regulatory pressure. However, there is one technology that many believe could be the solution.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable advancements, providing increasing value to companies across the AEC industry. It has helped construction firms to become more productive and efficient, and it is pushing operations to become more environmentally sustainable.
Current AI use in construction
By and large, construction, design and planning lifecycle phases have the highest rate of technology adoption at almost 80%, according to a recent research survey of industry professionals commissioned by Bluebeam.
Examples include building information modelling (BIM), computer aided design (CAD) and project management systems, each of which have become fundamental to the construction process for many organisations.
General technology adoption drops to around half (49%) when it comes to the operation phase and 43% for maintenance, according to the report. It is at its lowest for the repurposing or disposal phase, at 25%.
But when surveyed specifically on the use of AI in the building lifecycle phases, the figures are not as high.
Only around half of the firms surveyed (48%) use AI at design stage, just over a quarter at construction stage (27%) and around one-in-five at the operation and maintenance stage (21%).
Moreover, while the survey found that some built environment companies are investing as much as a quarter of their IT budgets toward AI-powered technology, around a quarter of AEC firms said they do not use AI at all. It means that many potential benefits aren’t being realised.
Benefits of AI use in construction
There are a range of applications AI has across the AEC sector, with tools available to support each building lifecycle phase, from design, planning and construction through to operation, maintenance and disposal.
The most immediate advantage of AI is its ability to optimise project management. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, enabling it to predict project timelines and highlight potential delays and overruns. These are tasks that are extremely time-consuming. AI can allow resources and time to be focused elsewhere.
AI tools can also support quality control, reducing errors and rework. According to the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI), the direct cost of avoidable errors is around 5% of project value but could be as much as 20%.
AI-driven tools can automatically cross-check blueprints and timetables, highlighting errors before construction begins, reducing risk and the potential cost impacts of mistakes.
How does AI impact the skills shortage?
According to the CSN Industry Outlook, the construction industry needs 251,000 extra construction workers by 2028 to meet the expected demand. The main reason for the shortage is due to more people leaving the industry than joining.
Despite industry enthusiasm in adopting new digital tools, including AI, construction firms still struggle when it comes to training or finding employees with the skills to use digital technologies. Now, more than ever, it is important that firms look to upskill their employees.
When Bluebeam asked AEC firms about the challenges in technology adoption and digitalisation, it was this lack of training or existing technical skills among staff that was ranked as the number one challenge (36%). A resistance to change was high too, at 26%. Adoption isn’t just about skills; culture will also play a part.
Interestingly, a lack of budget for technology investment was ranked seventh (19%). It shows that companies are willing to invest in technology if the right solution can be found, but they are struggling to get the necessary skills in place for a successful and efficient implementation.
To remain competitive, firms need to invest in the training and development of their teams so that they can use these technologies to their full potential.
Navigating regulatory concerns
After high-profile failings and major changes to legislation, UK Building Regulations and standards are under the spotlight more than ever. Firms must meet the specific requirements to avoid penalties and ensure project integrity.
AI can assist with compliance by automating regulatory checks such as structural requirements, fire safety measures and energy efficiency standards, helping firms and projects stay within legal requirements and best practice guidelines.
For AI itself, formalised regulations are expected to be introduced soon. Currently, there is a lack of standardisation globally on how AI is being approached.
In the UK, the King’s Speech said that laws would be introduced regarding AI, but for now a “light-touch” approach has been taken.
The ethical implementation of AI is something that software providers also need to take seriously as we move forward in this era. Likewise, customers will need to set the parameters for how they will use it and be transparent in their approach.
With AI offering huge gains in productivity and outcomes, AEC firms have strong reason to embrace it. Those that do will not only streamline their processes but also position themselves competitively in a rapidly changing industry.
