Sustainable construction is an issue to which we give more and more relevance; not in vain, it is one of the solutions to decarbonize our cities. One of the most promising proposals comes directly from Google, which wants to use the most powerful engine we have. Do you know what it is? As you can imagine, artificial intelligence.
Construction is going to move 100 years forward: that´s how it will achieve that
The construction industry is on the brink of a major transformation thanks to recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. After years of relative stagnation, the integration of AI into key processes is poised to boost productivity, reduce waste, and take construction to new levels of speed and precision.
AI has the potential to act as a multiplier that makes every phase of construction exponentially better. From initial design to planning, materials sourcing, and actual construction, AI and autonomous robots will work alongside human builders to improve worker safety, construct higher quality buildings faster, and lower costs.
Construction has lagged behind other industries when it comes to technological disruption, but that’s changing. Google is now partnering directly with construction companies to develop AI and robotic solutions. With smarter machines that can do repetitive tasks, construction workers will be freed to focus on complex assignments.
That´s how artificial intelligence in construction will change everything
Generative design has revolutionized architectural planning and engineering. Powered by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, generative design software can generate thousands of design iterations based on specified parameters. Architects and engineers simply define their design goals, constraints, and preferences.
The AI then explores all the permutations to identify the most optimal design. This AI-driven process allows for incredibly creative and efficient building designs. The software considers options and solutions that humans would likely overlook.
The designs maximize specified criteria like cost, materials, lighting, energy efficiency, and more. Architects and engineers gain unique insights to create constructible, cost-effective buildings. Generative design provides the best of both worlds.
The AI handles the grunt work of developing viable options. It frees up the human designers to focus on the creative aspects. This human-machine collaboration takes building design to new heights. Construction firms are now creating groundbreaking, unconventional structures previously not feasible.
Search of advanced materials: the trend we have just talked about
Artificial intelligence is enabling the creation of advanced construction materials that were not possible before. One example is self-healing concrete. This concrete uses bacteria to automatically seal cracks that develop over time. The bacteria remain dormant in the concrete until cracks form and water starts to seep in.
When the bacteria are exposed to moisture, they germinate and produce limestone which seals the cracks. This prevents corrosion of the steel reinforcement and extends the life of the concrete. AI helps simulate the complex chemical interactions to create the optimal concrete mixture.
It allows materials scientists to quickly test thousands of virtual permutations to find the one that maximizes strength, durability, and self-healing capabilities. This technology has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of infrastructure.
There has even been speculation about the possibility of using 3D rendering and 3D printing to calculate how wind will impact a structure. This is currently being done with skyscrapers (see the case of the W-Vela hotel in Barcelona or the Burj Khalifa in UAE).
We had imagined it, it had been predicted and you will remember reading about it, but artificial intelligence in construction will be the spearhead of a whole transformation that our cities will undertake. Can you imagine how everything could change in the short-medium term? It’s not for nothing that the industry has just moved 100 years forward in one fell swoop.