Artificial Intelligence in BIM

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is revolutionising the construction industry by utilising advanced technology to enhance the design, planning, and execution stages in projects. This transformative technology is an emerging component in the BIM (Building Information Management) sector.

At calfordseaden, we are at the forefront of technological advancements within the BIM sector and are constantly identifying innovative methods to use in our projects. Hooshiar Ahmadpanah, Graduate Information Manager, examines the world of AI within the BIM and Digital Construction sector, looking at how it is being integrated into Information Management processes, the advantages, and how we are using AI at calfordseaden.

Background and Experience

“I undertook my Master’s degree in BIM and Digital transformation at the University of Liverpool. Prior to my degree, I was interested in AI and recognised it would become pivotal in the construction industry. During my course, I got more familiar with the role of AI in construction and as a result, I chose to complete my dissertation on AI. My research topic was ‘Automating the Process of Clash Detection using Machine Learning (ML) Algorithm’, in which the paper has since been published at eCAADe 2023.”

How AI is currently being integrated into BIM processes

“AI is a wide-ranging concept, encompassing a machine’s capacity to perform intellectual behaviours typically associated with human minds. Within this field, there are specific approaches which are commonly used, such as ML and Deep Learning (DL), which are instrumental in achieving this cognitive capability. The incorporation of these two methodologies is essential for the successful implementation of AI within the context of BIM.

“BIM offers a platform for stakeholders to seamlessly exchange information and collaborate in real-time. AI can be used for data analysis, identifying patterns, and optimising planning. ML and DL algorithms are so useful in providing these tools. Crucially, AI can contribute to achieving the Golden Thread through automating the process of information exchange and standardising the output.

“One of the most common usages of BIM is implementing a collaborative environment in the project using Common Data Environment (CDE). When it is being used to carry out functions such as cost estimation, planning, clash detection tests, the CDE has great potential to be integrated with AI. At calfordseaden, we have developed a code to automate the process of exchanging information into a CDE, with several of our contractors now using this code. We use Python code and AI powered tools in all of our projects. For example, we create visualised reports, provide gap analysis on BIM documents, such as COBie and MIDP, and detect any errors in the data we produce and receive.”

The advantages of using AI

“Automation and optimisation are the most significant benefits of AI in BIM. Other advantages include: increased efficiency, enhanced accuracy of data, increased risk management, improved collaboration, and enhanced sustainability. AI enhances sustainability through reducing waste and energy consumption, which is done through the optimisation of design and processes.

“Another advantage of AI is that during the design phase, BIM software that uses AI is able to suggest various designs for a structure in less than a minute. This is an indication of the positive impact AI can have in the architecture sector. However, with AI still not being used in the mainstream, the reliability should always be verified to ensured the correct quality design is achieved by the relevant, competent, design professionals.”

Challenges of AI

“Currently, there is hesitancy in the construction industry surrounding AI. Reasons for this are, a lack of collaboration, human unwillingness to share data, and institutions adopting a more traditional approach.

“The biggest challenge regarding the use of AI is the reliability of the dataset. ML Algorithms rely on the provided dataset to make accurate predictions, which places increased importance on the accuracy of the dataset. An inaccurate dataset will evidently lead to an unreliable outcome.

“Additionally, it is imperative that the people using AI are extremely skilled and specialise in the field of AI. If not, the consequences are a loss of time and cost. The way to overcome this is through companies training staff and investing in new technology. Thankfully, calfordseaden are committed to doing both of these things to ensure we remain at the forefront of the BIM sector.”

The future of AI in BIM

“A study carried out by NBS (2021) found that BIM has the greatest potential, of any other practice, to transform the built environment by 2026. The increased importance and implementation of BIM will then lead to further acceleration of the use of AI within the sector. With the recent implementation of new legislation, the Building Safety Act, there is an increased importance of Information Management, and therefore will allow for the use of AI within the construction sector to accelerate.

“In the future, there will be new technologies further integrated into the sector, such as IOT sensors, cloud computing, Virtual Reality, robots, and drones. This will help create a more reliable dataset to be used by algorithms, therefore providing a more accurate outcome.”

For more information on our BIM and Digital Transformation services, please contact our team.