Preface : Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Techniques for Civil Engineering

Abstract

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has drawn significant attention with respect to its applications in several scientific fields, varying from big data handling to medical diagnosis and more. A tremendous transformation has taken place with the emerging applications of AI and machine learning (ML) techniques. The use of these technologies is already present in our everyday lives with several applications, such as personalized ads, personal virtual assistants, autonomous driving, etc. AI and ML work in principle by combining large amounts of data with fast, iterative processing, and intelligent algorithms (e.g., neural networks, process mining, convolutional neural networks, deep learning, and others), allowing the machine to learn automatically from patterns or features in the data. This way, AI can provide a wide range of solutions to address many challenging problems. As expected, AI and ML techniques have been increasingly adopted in various engineering fields, including civil engineering, which is undergoing a major transformation, driven by recent advances in these technologies. AI and ML have started revolutionizing the way we design, construct, and maintain structures and infrastructures, and are enabling engineers to make more informed decisions, leading to more efficient and sustainable practices. These techniques have proven to be beneficial in predicting and optimizing various aspects of civil engineering projects such as structural design, construction, maintenance, and management. For instance, AI and ML techniques can help predict the performanceof structural systems under various loads and environmental conditions, thus aiding in the design of more efficient and resilient structures. Additionally, AI and ML techniques can be used for monitoring construction progress and identifying potential defects, thus enabling timely corrective actions. Overall, the use of AI and ML techniques in civil engineering has the potential to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability of civil engineering projects.