Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Patrick (Pk) Steve

The construction industry is growing curiosity with fresh concepts, modern construction techniques and state-of-the-art technology prompting the global construction community to seek innovative ways to strengthen their operations (Chen, et. al., 2022). However, implementing and integrating these cutting-edge technologies remains challenging due to its dynamic and fragmented framework (Darko, et. al., 2020; Shirowzhan, et. al., 2018). Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a profound effect on all facets of life since its inception, and practically every sector of the economy has benefited from it (Macagno, 2022). Where human mental and physical strength threshold is reached, technological breakthroughs has satisfactorily transformed businesses operations and procedures (Schneider, et. al., 2023). As a result, this study shall delve into the application of AI and its cogs, ML (Kersting, 2018; Schneider, et. al., 2023), DL (Helm, et. al., 2020; LeCun, et. al., 2015), Big data (Naik, et. al., 2021; Song & Zhu, 2016), and IoT (Krasniqi & Hajrizi, 2016; Silverio-Fernández, et. al., 2018; Tang, et. al., 2019), as well as its integration into existing technological tools limited to BIM (Kor, et. al., 2023; Oje, et. al, 2020), DT (Boje, et. al, 2020; Tao, et. al., 2019), and Oracle Primavera P6 PPM (also known as Primavera Client and Primavera P6 Professional Project Management). Utilizing a hybrid strategy and a step-by-step approach, the research methodology shall examine each of the EPC construction phases of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (i.e., execution), to determine the revolutionary potential of AI in reshaping each one. Finally, the researcher is optimistic that the study will accentuate on the upsides and downsides of AI in the construction sector, propose ways to alleviate the risks associated with it, and make the most of the benefits it has to offer. It will also shed light on the current perspectives of construction industry experts regarding the implementation of AI while also attempting to re-introducing AI as an add-on resource to help projects run more smoothly and without delays, as opposed to the dreaded "job loss" and "redundancy" that it is commonly associated with.

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