Innovative Applications of AI in Built Structures

Artificial intelligence is currently being applied across a wide range of fields, from self-driving car technology to art and music generation. The built environment can be enhanced through artificial intelligence (AI), from seismic assessment to construction verification and infrastructure health monitoring. A variety of computer vision approaches have been used for these purposes, including novel combinations of established machine learning, optical character recognition and geometric methods. Using this technology and to help automate the construction verification process, machine learning models were trained to identify structural components from site photos and “read” shop drawings. These tools could be used to support construction inspection efforts and to reduce shop drawing review times from several days to a matter of hours, with an engineer reviewing a summary output from a machine learning program. Augmented reality techniques have led to creative methods of constructing structures. Examples will be shown where digital mapping of the site is overlayed with construction. Constructed projects designed by SOM with be presented.