The construction industry has adopted many recent technological changes, such as making the shift to digital plans and cloud-based collaboration, to improve construction planning and execution.
Recently, there has been an increase in the use of construction-specific artificial intelligence (AI). While AI can feel overwhelming for some, the reality is that these intelligent tools can transform jobsites and improve the quality of design and construction.
While AI can be trained to manage many mundane tasks, it is not capable of physically collecting accurate construction project data. Accurate, high-quality data such as current as-builts, utility maps, and concrete imaging are critical inputs that must occur before using AI tools.
Autodesk AI Workflows Automate Tasks, Deliver Insights
Autodesk is investing in AI-enabled workflows that can save time for designers, contractors, and anyone that uses their products. Autodesk is a software company that produces design and engineering software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries. Some of their well-known software products include AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and 3ds Max, which are used for design, 3D modeling, simulation, and animation.
Lalith Subramanian, the Global VP, Product and Engineering at Autodesk says, “the tools we've developed aren't meant to replace humans; instead, they exist to automate tasks, deliver insights, and provide alternatives, while keeping you in the driver's seat.”
Why Should I Start with Accurate As-Builts?
It is imperative that AEC professionals are steering their projects with accurate as-built site data. GPRS delivers accurate as-builts using 3D laser scanners or 3D photogrammetry, capturing the x, y, and z coordinate of every visible detail of a project site in the form of a point cloud. This can include the structural, architectural, and MEP systems, plus subsurface utility and concrete markings. Point cloud data looks like a pixelated, digital version of the asset.
The millimeter accuracy of the point cloud is critical for construction planning. It can be used in many different software packages, such as Autodesk, Bentley, and more, to create custom 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, TruViews, and virtual tours for construction and renovation projects.
What Autodesk Products Include AI?
Autodesk products are being upgraded to include AI capabilities to give AEC professionals access to powerful tools to improve design and decision making. These are a few of the benefits of Autodesk AI tools:
- Increase creative problem-solving and exploration
- Automate repetitive tasks to minimize errors and free up time
- Analyze complex project data to offer predictive insights
- Save time with assistive workflows
- Predict and prevent construction risk
- Access more information with intelligent search
- Improve and simplify everyday decision-making
- Increase productivity and project management
- Enhance construction safety
Here are a few features in Autodesk software that currently leverage AI:
- Construction IQ harnesses AI to predict, prevent, and manage construction risks that might impact quality, safety, cost, or schedule.
- AutoCAD leverages AI to help drafters iterate faster by reading handwritten and digital markups, and determining the intent of the user to recommend context-aware actions to easily incorporate changes.
- Autodesk Forma provides rapid wind, noise, and operational energy analysis to make smart early-stage planning and design decisions that improve outcomes.
- InfoDrainage, has a Machine Learning Deluge Tool that gives feedback on the best placement for retention ponds and swales to help prevent or reduce the impact of water disasters.
- Blank.AI’s, recently acquired by Autodesk, generative AI capabilities enables conceptual design exploration for the automotive industry, leading to accelerated outcomes and 3D models that can be rapidly created, explored, and edited in real time using semantic controls and natural language without advanced technical skills.
- Autodesk Build uses AI to automatically add photo autotags as metadata to photos. This saves time for teams who use photos to track project progress and document completed work.
According to the 2023 State of Design and Make report, Autodesk has invested in artificial intelligence for the last 10 years because they recognize the transformative power of AI for the industries they serve. Autodesk's latest research reveals that 66% of leaders say AI will become essential to their businesses within the next two to three years.
How Does AI Help 3D BIM Modeling?
AI is making significant contributions to 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) by enhancing various aspects of the modeling process. Here are some ways in which AI is helping 3D BIM modeling:
- Automated design generation
- Clash detection and resolution
- Ability to integrate building component data into the BIM model
- Accurate energy analysis and simulation of building performance
- Accurate cost estimation by analyzing historical project data, market trends, and material costs
- Analyze and optimize construction schedules
- Facilitate collaboration when stakeholders are working remotely
How Does AI Help CAD?
AI can reduce errors and omissions in designs, helping to improve the quality of CAD work. Here are some ways in which AI is helping CAD:
- Automate routine and repetitive tasks
- Use AI-generated design to meet specific criteria
- Recognize and classify design patterns
- Optimize product design with simulation and analysis
- Identify potential design flaws and suggest improvements
By incorporating AI, architecture, engineering, and construction professionals can unlock creativity, help solve problems, and eliminate non-productive work. Autodesk AI will help designers to model structures and systems in 2D and 3D with parametric accuracy, precision, and ease.
What Are the Limitations of AI in Construction?
Artificial intelligence makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks. However, AI cannot replace a highly trained expert with the ability to adapt to complex field conditions. Prior to incorporating project data into Autodesk or CAD/BIM software, accurate as-built and subsurface data must be collected by an experienced professional, employing a proven investigative methodology.
At GPRS, our elite team of Project Managers is required to complete an extensive training program before performing field services on your job site. Every Project Manager completes 80 hours of classroom training and 320 hours of field mentoring. Through this regimen, our Project Managers tackle real-world scenarios in a safe and structured environment where they can learn to document as-built and subsurface site data with the highest level of accuracy and professionalism.
GPRS has a verified 99.8% accuracy rate for utility locating, concrete scanning, and provides millimeter-accurate 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services.
At GPRS, we ensure you have all the information you need to get the job done right, delivering accurate as-built data to ensure reliable project planning, determine project costs, reduce change orders, assign tasks to the construction team, and record construction progress.
Why Choose GPRS?
When clients hire GPRS, they have the peace of mind of knowing that they have the most reliable scanning technology on their job site and an experienced Project Manager who will provide them with the most accurate data.
We offer a consultative approach to project management, working with you to ensure our data, maps and models are the perfect solution for your project. The data delivered is accurate within millimeters, and the maps and models provide complete as-built and location data.
A project planned with accurate as-built data is more likely to be completed on time, within budget, and with high-quality results. GPRS 3D Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry services deliver updated as-builts to import into CAD/BIM software.
What can we help you visualize?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of the construction industry with AI?
AI offers enormous potential for digitizing the construction industry. From automated planning tools to quality assurance to work safety on construction sites, AI can help reduce sources of error and make projects more efficient.
What is 3D laser scanning?
3D laser scanners use LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to measure and record precise locations and distances, ultimately producing a point cloud file. The technology enables you to produce highly accurate digital measurements and images quickly and easily for use in construction and engineering projects. 3d laser scanning is a revolutionary tool to document existing conditions. It is invaluable in design, prefabrication, asset management, and facility modifications.
What is 3D photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is a technique for obtaining reliable data from real-world objects in the their natural state by creating 3D models from photographs. 2D and 3D data is extracted from an image and, thanks to overlapping photos of the object, building or terrain, is converted into a 3D digital model.
