Artificial intelligence and the UK construction industry – empirical study

Abstract

There is a lack of research on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the construction sector in the UK. Therefore, this research seeks to explore AI uses and its benefits on the UK construction industry. Given the new and unexplored nature of the research problem, a qualitative case study research methodology was adopted. Construction projects, which have adopted some of the AI forms all around the UK, are investigated extracting the use of the technology and how processes within the construction industry can benefit from the adoption of AI. Developing an AI system can benefit the construction industry in terms of the planning process, organisations have implemented AI systems to accomplish tasks such as tunnel inspections, safety hazard identifying and risk management. These implementations have proved to be successful and efficient improving production within the organisations. This paper highlights the key uses and benefits of AI based systems within the construction industry. The business model was developed based on current work practices with AI and without AI. It is concluded that the industry as a whole should enhance coordination and cooperation across the value chain and agree on common goals and standards for the adoption of AI.