Despite low adoption rates, the construction sector is considered the industry that can benefit the most from utilizing generative AI. AI technology has the ability to address the industry’s key pain points, providing quick, accurate, and efficient solutions.
Generative AI can play a role in the designing, planning, and scheduling of projects, making use of methods like inputted user parameters and machine learning (though not all platforms use the same methods).
Let’s take a look at the definition of generative AI and how it can be used in construction.
Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article on generative construction.
The definition of generative AI
Without the context of construction, generative AI as a general concept involves the identification of patterns and relationships in existing data to generate new data or content, such as images, text, or music. Machine learning methods like generative adversarial networks (GANs) are frequently used to do this.
Deep learning is the core foundation of generative AI. It’s a kind of machine learning that involves a computer model being trained to spot patterns in data and use those patterns to make predictions and present solutions. The computer model is usually trained with data to produce desirable results.
Generative AI can be used and has been used for construction to assist with design, planning, and scheduling. Platforms that are fed data can present options to help map out a project or address problems that may arise during construction.
Applications of Generative AI in Construction
So how exactly is generative AI used in construction?
Design
Generative AI can automate the design process by providing design options for infrastructure and buildings, which can reduce time-consuming manual labor and boost productivity.
The construction project design can be enhanced with the help of generative AI, as platforms can efficiently and swiftly produce new design options based on information provided by users.
Platforms that use generative AI can significantly shorten the time required to design a project, generating designs quicker compared to manually hand-drawing models. This leads to faster project completion times with less financial input required.
Generative AI also provides a degree of precision and accuracy that’s unrivaled. Some platforms are able to take into account a project’s available resources, timeline, and quality expectations. Others can improve building designs in terms of sustainability by cutting down on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions during construction.
Increasing efficiency
By making the process of building simpler, generative AI can help increase the efficiency of construction projects, resulting in a greater chance of project success. Generative AI platforms can minimize the amount of rework required to finish a project.
It can also help with quality control by spotting potential issues and preventing major issues from slipping through the cracks and making it into the final product.
Reduced costs
Generative AI can assist with cost assessment by helping with the development of cost plans. Based on design alternatives, professionals can assess which option is the most economical.
With optimized resource use based on the best possible design, construction companies that make use of generative AI platforms often see savings on labor, equipment, and materials. Utilizing this technology results in lower costs and higher revenue.
Conclusion
The future of generative AI is promising, and it has the potential to play a major role in the construction sector. The construction industry suffers from razor-thin margins. Getting ahead and staying competitive means employing new tactics. In this regard, it’s crucial to keep up by making use of techniques like generative AI.
Productivity is another common issue in construction projects. Decreased time to generate designs means more time for construction professionals to analyze them and decide on what’s best for the project’s requirements. This then allows for additional time to complete other, more pertinent tasks that may require a professional’s expertise.
Overall, generative AI as a technology has the ability to provide completely optimised designs, allowing construction projects to be built more efficiently. Construction professionals can produce more successful projects and achieve better outcomes by utilizing generative AI.
Although there may be concerns regarding the technology, companies that have employed such tactics have only benefited in the long run from its use and adoption.
