The Civil Engineering Contractors Association has released a report titled AI in UK construction
The AI in construction report highlights the benefits that the technology can bring.
It also lays out some recommendations that the association makes regarding its implementation.
AI in construction could be the “next major leap”
The report shows that AI can be used to improve performance, automation, and project development, with the technology already being used in some businesses.
Specifically, designs can be optimised, errors can be identified, decision-making can be quicker, commercial development can be better, and health and safety performances can be improved.
In terms of project planning and design specifically, the report indicates potential for design optimisation, as with access to existing datasets and assets, AI can produce huge numbers of design options for a structure, assess them, and provide further options for improvement.
AI can also update digital models as and when they change throughout the development cycle, and detect when errors occur either from human adjustments or its own. It can use standards, codes, and information on errors in the past to review designs and identify patterns in current projects.
Caution must be taken
The AI in construction report says that while the benefits can be great, consideration must be given to the potential risks it can present to companies, including in privacy, relying too much on AI tools, cyber security, ethical issues, and loss of intellectual property.
The report highlights that no legislation currently exists in the UK.
Taking all of this into consideration, the report makes the following recommendations:
Managing risk
i. Recommendation 1 – Promote the use of existing standards for the adoption of AI.
ii. Recommendation 2 – Consider the development of a specific review of risks associated with the use of AI in construction.
iii. Recommendation 3 – Consider opportunities to develop confidential reporting system for AI risk in construction.
Cross-industry collaboration
i. Recommendation 4 – Support existing sector activities relating to AI.
ii. Recommendation 5 – Support or develop a construction sector AI community.
iii. Recommendation 6 – Develop construction AI implementation plan.
Training
i. Recommendation 7 – Signpost existing training.
ii. Recommendation 8 – Development of role-specific training.
iii. Recommendation 9 – AI security and ethics training.
iv. Recommendation 10 – Inclusion in professional development.
CECA chief executive, Alasdair Reisner, said: “The UK construction industry is on the cusp of a digital transformation, and artificial intelligence is the next leap forward.
“Our new report seeks to guide our members and the wider sector in how to embrace AI safely, ethically, and effectively. AI has the potential to benefit contractors of all sizes, from optimising the planning system for major projects, to enabling SMEs to boost business efficiency – all of which ultimately benefits the UK economy and taxpayer.
“This isn’t about hype – it’s about helping businesses in the UK construction sector ask the right questions, make the right investments, and upskill the workforce. AI should support human decision-making, not replace it. Our industry’s values must remain at the heart of any technological change.”
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