Page 24 - CEA-Alberta-Innovators-2024

work to solve problems and come to decisions.
“It’s clear that the AEC (architecture, engineering and
construction) industry has a role to play in both using and developing the technology.”
Greg Widmeyer, Director of Technology at DIALOG, says the firm is evaluating and using AI technologies to support the practice of design, and the business services supporting that practice.
He lists tasks like finishing construction documents as an example of where AI-infused software could complete drawing sets with fine details and consideration for compliance with regulation before they’re sent out.
“AI isn’t something that will bypass our industry or be a niche product that a few practices use. It will impact everyone. If you don’t embrace and invest, you will be left way, way, behind.”
At the basic level, Widmeyer expects AI technologies to drive efficiencies across proposals and evaluations, virtual reality walkthroughs of projects and remote drone inspections, among other areas of interest
technology solutions and has partnered with the University of Alberta to collect data on winter road conditions.
“[There are] challenges around aging infrastructure and pressures related to operations, financial and environmental efficiency. (Data-driven technologies) offer meaningful applications for many people in everyday life,” Peters says.
Peters cites “digital twins” as an example of another meaningful application: a virtual model and digital representation of assets, such as roads, buildings or infrastructure systems, for clients to better understand performance, emissions, utilization and maintenance needs.
“Why wouldn't you do that?” he says.
Ciezki says one of the most significant impacts of new technology on the design and construction industry is how projects are modelled. If digital twinning is at the cutting edge of technological applications, its genesis lies in Building Information
GREG WIDMEYER ”
Modelling — 3D rendering software which has supplanted two-dimensional design.
“It’s being used a little more extensively with all design firms. It starts with the architects, engineers and then the contractors. It’s information owners need, and it’s a lead into asset management. Owners want a model that they could use to reference for maintenance, tracking materials and mechanical or electrical systems. To do that, you need that level of modelling.”
Ciezki says new technologies offer more valuable data, increasing clients' demands and expectations, especially when projects are publicly owned and financed by
tax dollars.
“Institutional clients want more information in design drawings. That information is essential for major public projects like schools, sports and rec centres, hospitals and the drive to net zero,” he says. “Where technology and automation can save time, we can focus on new ways of doing things better. There’s pressure on [consulting engineers] to have information at our fingertips. AI and automation are forcing us to think differently and to use new tools to be safe and effective.” AI
for consulting engineering firms. But he’s preparing for more.
“We must focus on the blurring boundaries between technology and humanity, while keeping humans at the forefront of this revolution. A human is still going to stamp drawings, and they’re the ones responsible for public safety. An ‘AI hallucination’ should never be an excuse for a failed design.”
One of the greatest benefits that AI and machine learning algorithms offer is the ability to parse through significant amounts of information and data far more efficiently than if humans were to do the work, unaided.
Connected vehicles are another real-world example
of how technology is shaping the world of consulting engineers. Connected vehicle technology is being piloted in Alberta with the support of the provincial and federal governments and the University of Alberta.
“Traditionally, highway maintenance contractors will report conditions once or twice daily. It’s difficult to know about the conditions on the entire road network all the time,” says Bruno Peters, Intelligence Portfolio Sales Director with Arcadis, a company that develops
24 ALBERTA INNOVATORS
AI ISN’T SOMETHING THAT WILL BYPASS OUR INDUSTRY OR BE A NICHE PRODUCT THAT A FEW PRACTICES USE. IT WILL IMPACT EVERYONE.
IF YOU DON’T EMBRACE AND INVEST, YOU WILL BE LEFT WAY, WAY, BEHIND
”