2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Empowering Future Construction Professionals by Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Construction-Management Education and Fostering Industry Collaboration

Presented at Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Case Studies in Construction Education

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into construction management education is pivotal in equipping aspiring professionals with the requisite tools and competencies to excel in an ever-evolving construction industry. The incorporation of AI in construction management education not only enables students to acquire valuable skills but also prepares them to confront the challenges and possibilities that AI brings to the construction sector. This, in turn, can lead to more streamlined and sustainable construction practices in the years to come. The primary objective of this study is to propose curriculum enhancements that equip construction management students with a deep understanding of AI and recommendations for academic institutions to collaborate with industry to maximize hands-on involvement. To attain this goal, the research adopts a comprehensive mixed-method approach, systematically collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaire surveys presented in concept mapping and data analysis. The findings of the study underscore a pressing need for construction management programs to introduce dedicated courses or modules centered around AI in construction management. These courses should cover a range of topics, including AI applications in project scheduling, risk assessment, supply chain optimization, and predictive analytics. Fundamental AI concepts, such as machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision, should be integrated, demonstrating their relevance to construction management. Moreover, students should gain access to AI tools and software for practical application. Furthermore, the study recommendations advocate for stronger collaboration between academia and industry, encouraging construction companies and technology firms to provide students with internships, co-op opportunities, or access to real data sets for AI-related projects. In conclusion, this research endeavor seeks to augment our understanding of the significance of incorporating AI education into construction management programs and provides practical recommendations for the implementation of these initiatives.

Authors

Ms. ERIKA JUDITH RIVERA P.E. Florida International University [biography]

Erika Rivera is a Licensed Professional Engineer with a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus and two Master's degrees one in Engineering Management and a Master in Civil Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. She is currently a Ph.D. Student in Florida International University, in Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure, and Sustainability College of Engineering and Computing.
Claudia Calle Müller http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2023-9361 Florida International University [biography]

Claudia Calle Müller is a Ph.D. Candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University (FIU). She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru ́ (PUCP). Claudia has over 4 years of experience in structural engineering designing reinforced concrete residential and commercial buildings in Peru; over 2 years of experience in entrepreneurship; and over 4 years of teaching experience. Currently, she is a Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at the Moss School of Construction, Sustainability, and Infrastructure at FIU where she focuses on multidisciplinary research on sustainability, equity, resilient and sustainable post-disaster reconstruction, engineering education, circular economy, and well-being. Claudia holds professional credentials in LEED Green Associate for sustainable buildings and ENV SP for sustainable infrastructures.
Miss Rubaya Rahat http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0524-5619 Florida International University [biography]

Rubaya Rahat grew up in Bangladesh, where she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). After graduating she worked for two years in a construction management company in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She was involved in various residential and infrastructure projects. Rubaya now is a Ph.D. student at Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Teaching/Research Assistant at Moss School of Construction, Sustainability and Infrastructure, Florida International University. Her research interest includes Sustainable and resilient infrastructure, Engineering Education, and Sustainable transportation system.
Mr. Mohamed ElZomor P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7734-9601 Florida International University [biography]

Dr. Mohamed ElZomor is an Assistant Professor at Florida International University (FIU), College of Engineering and Computing and teaches at the Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability. Dr. ElZomor completed his doctorate at Arizona

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