< PreviousAccording to Roedel, the emergence of AI in construction is not causing mass redundancies across the industry. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Through the skillful use of technology, both AI and robotics, the industry is managing to stay afloat amidst a tidal wave of job displacement and abandonment. “AI and robotics are solutions to that growing crisis of not being able to build enough homes, offices, and roads to keep people living healthy lives,” said Roedel, whose firm has been using both to help workers get more done. “The tools that are coming out are amplifying the lives of both our field and corporate office staffs, who can leverage ChatGPT and other tools to save mental time and productively move onto the next task that much earlier.” In what may come as a surprise to some, AI is already well established in certain fields. With leaders harnessing its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and make predictions based on patterns, the tool is already making significant con- tributions to the industry. In the realm of design and planning, AI-powered algorithms can generate optimized floor plans, allowing architects and engineers to explore countless possi- bilities in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. According to Bob Banfield, machine learning engi- neer at Trimble Construction, these algorithms are at the core of the highly efficient technology. “Machine learning includes many algorithms. Here’s a quick example: if you were looking to find out whether or not you are liable to get some type of disease, one type of learning algorithm might work its way through a tree of questions like, ‘how old are you?’ Then, ‘okay, do you exercise?’ And so on. If you say yes, you go down one branch, and if you say no, then you go down another. That’s a perfectly valid machine learning algorithm. It’s like the game 20 Questions you might’ve played as a kid, except in machine learning those questions are automatically generated.” These algorithms consider factors such as material usage, energy efficiency, and structural integrity, ensuring that the final product is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. While rapid advancements in robotics are now leading the industry towards a deeper, AI-driven level of automation on construction sites, the industry is not yet convinced. However, the evidence is continuing to mount. Intelligent machines, equipped with sensors and cameras, can perform tasks that were once labor-intensive and time-consuming. Robotic arms can lay bricks as precise as the human eye, while autonomous vehicles transport materials with incredi- ble efficiency. Rather than create more challenges for those working in the field, these tools enhance productivity, reduce human error, and minimize safety risks, leading to savings in both cost and time. As AI and automation continue to make strides, concerns arise about the potential displacement of human workers. However, industry experts argue that the role of AI in con- struction is not about replacing workers but rather support- ing them by augmenting their capabilities. Robert Thompson, a renowned construction technologist, affirms, “AI is not here to take jobs; it’s here to elevate them.” When viewed in the context of a chronic skilled worker short- age, the resistance to AI seems even more perplexing. By eliminating mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs, the industry could maximize the abilities of the staff it has currently on jobsites. According to Roedel, the use of AI should not only be a given, but it should also be a welcome respite from the challenge of keeping the industry alive. “AI and robotics are solutions to that growing crisis of not being able to build enough homes, offices, and roads to keep people living healthy lives,” said Roedel, whose firm has been using both to help workers get more done. “The tools that are coming out are amplifying the lives of both our field and corporate office staffs, who can leverage ChatGPT and other tools to save mental time and productively move onto the next task that much earlier.” If we are to critically evaluate the potential outcome of an AI-supported construction industry, we cannot discount workers fears completely. Current sectors of the manu- facturing and infrastructure industries are already thriving through the use of robotics, effectively removing the need for human involvement on production lines around the world. It is, seemingly, an issue of balance. Where does an industry go in terms of ensuring the humans at the coalface are pro- tected and utilized to their full potential? With the market size for AI in construction forecast to grow by over 30% annually and move past the $8.5 billion mark by 2031, it is a very real conversation that needs to take place sooner rather than later. However, for Roedel and DPR, there are certain benefits of AI that will always trump personal interest, regardless of your standpoint. “We want to see more of these tools at work in high voltage scenarios and hazardous environments. Any hazmat applications where we can put the smart machines in and take the people away, so much the better.” With its potential to lower costs, increase productivity and vastly improve workers safety, AI is a conversation that is certainly worth having. | 10 JUNE 2023“AI in construction is not about replacing workers but rather supporting them by augmenting their capabilities.” | 11 APEIRON CO NSTRUC TIO NWRIT TEN BY DAVID O’NEILL ficult to balance and, as tends to be the case, compromise is needed. However, it is within this discussion that precast concrete has emerged as a solution. Its strength, versatility and a more pos- itive environmental profile all contribute to it being a building material that is growing in both use and reputation. While the debate rages on regarding the viability and sustainable use of concrete, it is undoubtedly a challenging landscape for those within the sector. The industry is demanding improvement from all sides, cost, quality, and sustainability. This particular combination can be dif- | 12 JUNE 2023| 13 APEIRON CO NSTRUC TIO NEmerging from two separate groups representing the bridge and transportation sector (CABA) and buildings/parking structures (MAPA), the PCI Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) was formed in 1978 to promote the accelerated growth and increased marketability and profitability of businesses in the precast concrete industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic region serving companies in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. While Cast-in-Place concrete may have an advantage from a historical viewpoint, the Precast sector is making huge for- ward strides and is fast becoming the go-to building material. Undoubtedly, this is an industry that has grown and developed hugely in recent decades. For Dawn Decker, Executive Director of PCI Mid-Atlantic, this momentum has been in tandem with the education work the association does on behalf of its mem- bers. “As the precast and prestressed concrete industry has evolved with more market data and research findings, we’ve expanded our education and awareness outreach to include more stakeholders that influence the design, specification and construction of buildings, bridges, and parking structures. Additionally, Jim Voss, president of JVI-Inc., established the PCI Foundation in 2001, a separate non-profit from PCI with its own operating budget. The PCI Foundation focuses on provid- ing curriculum development grants to schools of architecture, engineering, and construction management.” | 14 JUNE 2023In addition to this education piece, the association also works to support its members in a variety of other ways. Through a combination of marketing and facilitating con- nections right through to providing resources, support and expertise, members benefit from the reassurance of having an association with a huge knowledge base in their corner. “Our chapter is focused on supporting precast professionals, generating greater awareness for precast, and improving the communication between our industry, academia, and design community to foster beneficial working relationships for all.” Marketing a hugely well-known product in an industry that has been working with concrete for generations may seem like an unnecessary venture, however, it is a vital aspect of the work PCI Mid-Atlantic does. By generating marketing content for the chapter, member businesses, academia, and PCI as a national institute, the chapter works tirelessly to promote and increase awareness and use of precast and prestressed con- crete for bridges, buildings, and parking structures. As Decker explains, the need to keep Precast concrete on everyone’s mind has many benefits. One of the most important being the need to attract talent to a sector that can struggle to fill working positions. “Our members are constantly recruiting new employees in various roles in their organizations; this is one of their greatest challenges. Last year we established a Career Center with job descriptions linked to our 10 workforce development videos and a zip code plant locator to generate applicants – we’re committed to supplementing company efforts to get more people working in our industry. To that end, we’ve started sharing employee stories highlighting Women in Construction, our Young Professionals Network, and this year, we’re launching a Veterans in Precast blog series. The people that work in our industry are our greatest asset and we need more people to join us. Celebrating our member employees is part of these initiatives.” As the industry pivots to more sustainable practices, PCI Mid-Atlantic’s members benefit from its ability to harness industry leading knowledge and they receive legislative advice on current challenges. At PCI Mid-Atlantic’s annual winter meeting, Emily Lorenz, a PE, industry expert and consultant, gave a talk about legislation that is incorporating sustainabil- ity criteria, such as low embodied carbon concrete. As Decker shares, its members are in various stages of improving their manufacturing practices and environmental footprint as well as conducting LCAs (life cycle assessments) to produce EPDs (environmental product declarations). By providing this information to members, businesses in the sector can be best prepared to overcome the challenges of introducing EPDs. As Lorenz explained, the legislation surrounding these require- ments make for a very disjointed approach. “Things are mov- ing quickly to prepare for the federally funded infrastructure work. Agencies are looking to EPDs and setting limits in an effort to build toward a more-resilient and zero-carbon future. But some of the guidance or model code language doesn’t conform to the requirements in the ISO standards related to comparisons. Some agencies have established environmen- tal benchmarks that don’t correlate to current construction methods. Others are based on best practices for buildings including energy performance and construction types. This scattered approach […] makes it difficult for designers and product manufacturers to comply.” “Members benefit from the reassurance of having an association with a huge knowledge base in their corner.” | 15 APEIRON CO NSTRUC TIO Nyear. “This is extremely, extremely fast. On a normal bridge project, we probably would’ve been about year three before we reached this point,” said Cheryl Moon-Sirianni, District Executive at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). As Decker explains, this project was incredibly challenging. As the bridge had collapsed, there was a need to move decisively and navigate a complex landscape. “The collapse of Fern Hollow Bridge begged the need for an emer- gency acquisition system. The project team was stacked with both public and private players who worked intensely to meet unprecedented construction rates, delivering the bridge beams just six months after the initial collapse. It’s incredible for a bridge project of this magnitude to move so quickly and open in less than a year, and it’s all thanks to close collaboration and a push to meet this community’s urgent need.” With these complex and on-going challenges facing mem- bers, it could be easy to forget the innovative and high-qual- ity projects that are being completed every day. Speaking to Decker, she was keen to reinforce the message that using precast prefabricated components produced in fac- tory-controlled environments deliver resilient, durable, low maintenance and beautiful structures. Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh is a prime example. This three-span replacement bridge that sits almost 100 feet above ground consists of 21 Prestressed Concrete Bulb Tee Beams, each one an impres- sive 155 ft long, weighing over 100 tons. With conventional methods, replacing a bridge this size would’ve taken about three to four years, plus for planning the bridge, choosing its design, obtaining approval, installing an abutment, and cleaning the site. With precast concrete construction? Fern Hollow Bridge in Frick Park was completed in under a | 16 JUNE 2023Villanova University Villanova, PA Another example of the quality work being completed by PCI Mid-Atlantic members was the John and Joan Mullen Cen- ter for the Performing Arts at Villanova University. Villanova University wanted to maintain the Gothic revival architecture found throughout the 175-year-old campus in the design of their new performing arts center. Additionally, they aimed to achieve LEED Silver with notable inclusions such as reflec- tive roofing, a green roof over the main proscenium theater, recyclable materials, low-emitting finishes, and an energy-ef- ficient HVAC system. “The client and design team utilized architectural precast concrete due to construction cost savings and better lead time of the exterior wall related to a traditional stone façade construction. This was based on the rigorous construction schedule reviewing lessons learned from a traditional stone veneer project being constructed at the same time across the street. The John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University was completed as a $50 million, three-story, 85,000-square-foot structure that houses a full-size theater and various arts-re- lated classrooms.” With a rich history and an ever-growing awareness of its bene- fits, Precast Concrete is becoming the best choice on projects that require strength, efficiency, accelerated construction and additional sustainability. For Decker and those at PCI Mid-At- lantic, the future will be one of continued support, education, and advocacy. As she explains, this will benefit members both today, and long into the future. “We need more visibility at high schools to let guidance counselors know about our industry for those students that don’t want to pursue a college education. A recruitment path for our members in their local communities. Our goal is to create a strong precast community that is inclu- sive of all our diverse stakeholders. When we come together, we want to learn, innovate, and advance all while celebrating what precast and prestressed concrete has to offer.” | 17 APEIRON CO NSTRUC TIO NWRIT TEN BY AO IFE CH ANEY Northeast Precast LLC is a precast concrete manu- facturer specializing in commercial products and residential foundation wall systems. Operating out of New Jersey in the Residential, Commercial, and Transporta- tion markets, it provides top-quality construction materials that are built to last. As Mark Gorgas puts it: “We’re turning construction into manufacturing and combining the two. This gives customers the quality and precision of manufacturing combined with construction. Operating in a controlled envi- ronment where you can train the employees from the ground up helps add additional long-term value.” Gorgas speaks to me today during Northeast Precast’s 20th year in business and as the company’s newly appointed President. Reflecting on the early days, Gorgas tells me that the com- pany has developed hugely and, equally importantly, in an organic way. “Northeast Precast owners John and Lorie Ruga built a 25,000 square foot plant from the ground up and began operations there in late 2003. They had recently branched out from residential home remodeling into pre- cast manufacturing, starting with a single product called Superior Walls.” As Gorgas goes on to explain, even 20 years on that product, durable and abiding in character, remains the foundation on which the company is built. “For the first few years we focused on the residential market, doing base- ments predominantly in the South Jersey region in close proximity to the plant.” | 18 JUNE 2023| 19 APEIRON CO NSTRUC TIO NNext >