The Transformative Effects of AI in Construction

Jeff Walter, Digital Transformation Leader, AECOM

In an interview with Construction Tech Review, Jeff Walter, director, digital transformation, AECOM, discusses the impact of digital transformation and AI on the future of construction.

Could you brief us on your roles and responsibilities at your current organization?

As the Digital Consulting Lead for AECOM Canada, my role encompasses interactions with diverse technologies and outcomes. One of my primary responsibilities is overseeing the design-toconstruction interface.

Having been part of one of the world’s foremost design companies involved in major design-build and P3 projects, I possess an insider’s perspective on the digital and innovation initiatives undertaken by our global contracting partners.

How have you seen the industry evolve over the last couple of years?

The rapid pace of technological advancements and disruptive thinking is continuously reshaping the discourse of construction industry. At AECOM, we have observed a significant inclusion of AI in the construction sector, impacting our design requirements and influencing our contribution towards large-scale infrastructure delivery projects.

These trends have profound philosophical implications, particularly regarding digital transformation’s influence on team collaboration and behavior during project execution. Given the collaborative nature of most infrastructure programs, digitalization has become integral to project planning, program delivery strategies, and even early-stage team formation during the RFP and prepositioning phases. 

Could you provide insight on the digital trends in the space?

From a conceptual standpoint, we are witnessing digital technologies playing an increasingly pivotal role in projects and programs right from their inception. The influence of data on largescale initiatives cannot be understated. Teams and organizations now possess the capability to generate highly detailed information throughout the planning, design, construction, and operations stages. This shift necessitates a focus on data collection, security, analysis, automation—all while harnessing the immense potential of AI.

New technologies and processes are also revolutionizing project delivery. Design for fabrication and advanced manufacturing are prime examples of the emerging concept of close collaboration between designers, construction partners, and suppliers. This approach ensures enhanced efficiency and exceptional delivery outcomes.

“Within a five to ten-year timeframe, an unprecedented level of data granularity and scale will be achieved, facilitating AI-driven predictive outcomes with greater efficiency”

The technical aspect of our industry is being significantly impacted by the proliferation of innovative tools and processes, with notable advancements in automation and the utilization of accessible and democratized tools, like those offered by Microsoft, to streamline information collection and leverage it effectively in construction projects and programs.

According to you, what does the future hold for the construction space?

Within the realm of digital transformation, one specific area of focus demands our attention due to its paramount importance. AECOM has already begun to witness the profound impact of this area and has even introduced products such as Pipe Insights—an AI tool designed for water pipe inspections. 

It scrutinizes hours of video inspection footage of pipes and sewers to detect cracks and identify necessary inspection requirements. 

When it particularly comes to design-build construction, the success of any AI implementation hinges upon the quality of information available and the meticulousness with which rules and algorithms are developed. Maturity is evident in the industry, emphasizing the importance of gathering high-quality data, specifically structured to be accessible for AI utilization. This groundwork, laid from an engineering perspective, serves as the foundation for the forthcoming future, ensuring the meaningful application of AI technology in a sensible and effective manner.

Personally, I am excited about the coming years, particularly within the Ontario and Toronto GTA markets, as numerous large-scale public transit infrastructure programs are underway. These initiatives, born from previous work, are beginning to materialize as long-term infrastructure delivery programs.

Within a five to ten-year timeframe, an unprecedented level of data granularity and scale will be achieved, facilitating AI-driven predictive outcomes with greater efficiency. This process represents a bottom-up maturation, starting with the establishment of high-quality information and robust architectural data frameworks.

The goal is to create a seamless plug-andplay environment and avoid the need to scramble and construct an entire infrastructure to support AI implementation. By adopting a strategic approach to planning, designing, and establishing sturdy foundations, our industry stands to achieve successful AI applications.

What would be your advice for your peers in the industry?

To effectively embrace digital transformation, it is crucial to establish strong foundations, address management and cultural changes, and adopt an integrated approach to building digital platforms. No single solution can meet all project needs, necessitating the integration of various technologies for optimal outcomes. By prioritizing these key elements, organizations can navigate the complexities of digital transformation create positive outcomes.