Artificial Intelligence in Civil Engineering a Comprehensive Review of Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The civil engineering industry, long associated with complexity, high costs, and safety risks, is being transformed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This review presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art analysis of AI applications across structural, geotechnical, transportation, construction, and water resources engineering. Core technologies—machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, and generative AI—are examined in relation to design optimization, structural health monitoring, soil classification, traffic flow prediction, project management, and climate resilience. Findings from over 80 studies reveal that AI consistently outperforms traditional methods, improving prediction accuracy by 25–40% and reducing computational effort by several orders of magnitude. Quantitative case studies demonstrate its impact, from CNNs achieving over 98% accuracy in crack detection to LSTM models reducing traffic forecasting errors below 7%. The review also incorporates mathematical formulations, model architecture, and comparative performance tables. However, challenges remain, including limited data availability, model interpretability, and computational intensity. Looking ahead, research opportunities lie in digital twins, explainable AI, generative models for design, and robotics for autonomous construction. The study concludes that AI is evolving from a supporting tool into a foundational technology, driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in civil engineering worldwide.
Source: ERU Research Journal
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222876703