Generative AI for Construction
It’s time to jump on the AI train
Professionals should embrace AI for Construction or risk being left behind amidst mounting pressure for increased productivity
Generative AI might not be laying bricks or preparing groundwork any time soon, but as statistics from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlight, a need for over 239,000 extra workers between now and 2029, companies across the UK are struggling to recruit. This scarcity of labour is pushing up wages and construction costs, so those seeking to improve efficiency in a sluggish labour market need to look elsewhere. Recent surveys show the jury’s out on the current uptake of AI in construction, but one thing is certain, companies that embrace the productivity gains of generative AI now, will have the power to gain significant competitive advantage.
Some sectors of the construction industry appear to have embraced AI, for instance, the Association of Project Management reports 75% of project professionals working in construction using AI. Meanwhile, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association found 85.6% of UK construction businesses reported they did not currently use AI. With such a diverse skillset across the sector it’s unsurprising that some are more hesitant than others, to adopt AI.
Getting AI ready
One reason for the slow uptake of AI is highlighted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which found a lack of preparedness across the construction sector, nearly three-quarters of companies have yet to move beyond initial discussions or have no capability or planning activity related to AI adoption. Embracing a completely new technology, however, can be daunting. In fact, lack of skilled personnel is the greatest barrier to adoption with 46% of those asked by RICS stating this.
To the worker on the ground, too, the thought of using generative AI to improve construction outcomes might sound pie in the sky. AI, though, is no longer just the realm of tech companies. Across the construction industry, everyone from project managers and site engineers to surveyors and estimators can use it, embracing tools like ChatGPT to help save valuable time while improving communication, documentation, and planning.
Bridging the AI literacy gap
From Copilot to ChatGPT, many people have heard of the top GenAI tools now. The problem remains though, that many AI tools are not built with construction in mind, and it is only when AI is used well that it will be effective. That’s why it is important for construction professionals to understand the basics of generative AI before using it to help with everyday tasks. With RICS figures pointing to a shortage of digital skills in construction, it is vital that construction professionals have access to training tailored to AI in real-world project contexts.
Generative AI refers to systems that can create content like text, images, schedules, or summaries based on instructions given to it, known as “prompts.” Like any worker, though, AI is only as good as the instructions it is given, so learning to write prompts that get the right results is crucial.
In fact, learning how to write prompts that get results is an invaluable skill, but these prompts must be construction industry specific to be of use. That’s why in the Generative AI for Construction, A Practical Introduction course, run by Synergie, real world examples from construction scenarios are used, so learners can easily understand exactly how using the correct prompts can help day-to-day workflow and improve productivity.
AI for Construction adding value on site and in the office
Used effectively, AI has the ability to add real value in many areas, not just in the office but also on site. It can help with documentation, from efficiently drafting daily site reports, to toolbox talks, and method statements. It can make valuable suggestions on how to create clear, professional emails or briefings for clients and teams. It can help to optimise scarce resources by helping plan structured task sequences to help ensure labour, plant and machinery are readily available just when they are needed. Construction as an industry is notorious for lengthy documents and information that is difficult to source, so AI can also help in contract administration, for example summarising key clauses, highlighting obligations, or simplifying technical language.
Human judgement still matters
Despite the many ways that generative AI can assist the construction sector, ultimately, common sense rules. AI does not understand site conditions, materials, or health and safety realities the way a construction professional does. That’s why it is vital to understand the limitations of AI and when it’s essential to rely on human judgment, for example, verifying information, making safety decisions, or finalising sensitive contractual issues.
According to CITB chief executive Tim Balcon the construction sector lags behind other sectors in terms of productivity by around 1%, that’s the equivalent of around 33,000 workers. To ensure construction businesses, large and small, stay at the forefront of competitiveness they need to harness generative AI. Whether that’s a site manager looking to save time on paperwork, a surveyor streamlining reports, or a project manager improving planning efficiency, For years the industry has thrived on innovation, from innovative materials to the latest construction methods, AI is the next big leap to help the industry build smarter, freeing up skilled worker’s time to focus on added value tasks and helping build a brighter future for construction, one prompt at a time.
Find out more information on Synergie’s course: Generative AI for Construction: A Practical Introduction