AI Improves Construction Progress Tracking and Transparency

A construction company wanted to improve transparency and efficiency on its projects. It used AI to analyze site photos and integrate them with project plans. This allowed it to track progress in real-time, identify potential problems early, and improve communication with stakeholders. The result was increased transparency, reduced delays and costs, and improved decision-making.

Client:

Gilbane, a distinguished construction and real estate development corporation, has amassed over 150 years of experience in the field. Within the company’s portfolio are notable projects such as the Burj Khalifa and the Empire State Building. Leveraging this rich history of expertise, Gilbane has emerged as a leader in using artificial intelligence (AI) in construction. The company uses AI to improve project management, efficiency, and safety.

Problem Statement:

Gilbane’s motivation to delve into AI solutions stemmed from a particular request made by a client. This client, who was undertaking a significant project, desired a construction process that was both transparent and efficient. The company wanted to be able to:

Track progress in real-time: Gain a clear understanding of how construction was progressing week-by-week.
Identify potential problems early: Catch issues before they escalate and impact the schedule or budget.
Improve communication and collaboration: Ensure all stakeholders access the same information for better decision-making.

Results:

• Improved Transparency: Weekly progress reports with visual data provide clear visibility into project progress for all stakeholders.
• Early Problem Detection: AI-powered analysis of site photos helps spot potential issues before they escalate, minimizing delays and costs.
• Enhanced Communication: Timely progress reports and objective data streamline communication with clients and subcontractors.
• Increased Efficiency: Disperse automates progress tracking tasks, freeing up valuable team time.
• Reduced Disputes: Objective records of completed work minimize disputes about schedule and completion

AI Solution:

To overcome these obstacles and reach their objectives, Gilbane utilized artificial intelligence (AI) and adopted a solution from a construction technology startup based in London known as Disperse. This AI solution integrates captured site photos with project plans to create a “building-aware” visual record.
Here’s how the AI works for Gilbane:

Weekly Site Photography: Construction progress is documented with regular photos.
AI Image Recognition: AI analyzes photos against project plans, identifying building elements like beams and walls.
Progress Tracking & Reporting: Disperse generates weekly reports highlighting progress and comparing it to the schedule.
Early Issue Detection: AI scans for deviations from the plan, potentially catching problems before they escalate.
Improved Communication: Automated reports keep all stakeholders informed and facilitate objective communication.

Disperse in Action:

Disperse Empowers Construction Industry with Next-Generation Analytics

Interesting facts:

• Gilbane’s use of Disperse contributed to winning the “ENR New York Contractor of the Year” award in 2021.
• Their AI work with Disperse also won the internal “Innovator of the Year Award” within the company.

References:

1. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Gilbane – https://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2022/Gilbane-AI.html
2. Gilbane’s Impact-led Approach to Deploying Artificial Intelligence (ai) for Projects (Video available after registration). https://www.disperse.io/resources/webinars/enr-gilbane-case-study

Industry: Construction
Vendor: Disperse
Client: Gilbane