Artificial intelligence is everywhere, whether we are aware of it or not. There are very few industries left in today’s modern society that haven’t been impacted in some way or another by this impressive and expanding technology. Indeed, though it may have taken longer than other industries artificial intelligence and civil engineering are becoming increasingly intertwined, albeit at a much slower rate than other industries. This is particularly important news when we consider that this sector of work- engineering and construction-is worth an impressive 10 trillion dollars a year. It seems AI is a largely untapped source of potential when it comes to civil engineering.Research shows that companies who have chosen to invest in integrating artificial intelligence are 50% more likely to generate a profit than those that don’t.
AI could be used within this industry in a number of ways. Firstly, in the way in which a company handles planning and scheduling. AI technology would also allow a company to predict, and therefore prevent any potential problems or difficulties. Transport and logistics companies are using AI for this very reason and making savings on avoidable errors or mistakes, just as those in the civil engineering industry could and should.
Robotic arms using machine-learning technology can be applied to both maintenance and pre-fabrication making the processes faster and more efficient and therefore more financially effective. Even the checking process following fabrication can be improved by artificial intelligence technology by ensuring effective quality control. Image recognition applications can be used with drones and 3d imagery enabling engineers to compare finished products with the initial designs and identify and potential safety risks. BIM (building information modelling) refers to a digital process that allows us to follow the life of a project from beginning to end in every aspect. The imagery and information that drones can provide can then be compared to models made by BIM and therefore reduce decision-making cycles of projects within construction.
Of course, in order to take full advantage of all that AI has to offer, the civil engineering industry must first embrace and fully understand modern technology and the way in which data can, and should be collected and used to improve business. Investing in the correct technology, and doing the right amount of research and training in the use of things such as cloud technology, data analytics, machine learning and more is vital in order to fully utilize AI.
AI is only increasing in its scope both in terms of what it can do, and where it is being used within the business world. Civil engineering businesses must invest both time and finances in it, in order to open up a huge amount of potential savings and earnings in future projects.
