Zhang, J and Jiang, S (2026) Review of artificial intelligence applications in construction management over the last five years. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(1), pp. 361-379. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This paper provides a thorough examination of the advancements and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on construction management (CM) over the past five years, particularly focusing on its role in mitigating prevalent challenges such as inefficiency and ensuring quality. By methodically reviewing and synthesizing the body of research conducted in this period, it underscores key contributions and breakthroughs in the application of AI within construction management (AICM). Additionally, the study aims to shed light on emerging trends and forecast future directions for technological innovation in the construction management sector. Design/methodology/approach – Guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework, this research conducts a bibliometric analysis of 176 relevant publications from the past five years. The analysis focuses on the adoption of AICM across three critical areas: construction equipment management, improvement of construction safety and construction cost optimization. Additionally, the study systematically identifies and examines 14 emerging themes within this domain, ensuring a comprehensive exploration aligned with PRISMA guidelines. Findings – This manuscript summarizes recent research from the past five years in three key areas: construction equipment management, construction safety management and construction cost management within the realm of AICM. It identifies key gaps and outlines future research directions, including enhancing AI-driven equipment integration, developing sophisticated AI-based safety systems and optimizing cost management with advanced data analytics. These findings and directions are essential for steering the field toward greater digital innovation and sustainability. Originality/value – This research provides a detailed analysis of the literature within the AICM domain, thoughtfully compiling significant findings and highlighting the importance of addressing user needs. The insights and recommendations shared aim to be beneficial for both academic researchers and industry professionals, contributing to the ongoing development of AICM as it moves toward a future characterized by digital innovation and sustainability.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | architecture engineering construction; artificial intelligence; bibliometric analysis; literature review |
| Index terms: | exploration, construction safety, meta-analysis, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, methodology, integration, construction cost, systematic literature review, cost management, construction equipment, literature review, bibliometric analysis, publication, user need |
| Subjects: | research methods, data analysis and analytics, financial and cost management, construction equipment, environmental resource management, artificial intelligence, accounting and finance, innovation and technology management, research evaluation and metrics, research dissemination and communication, organizational analysis, user-centered design, environmental health |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Sustainability, Design Practice, Information Management, Plant and Equipment, Research Practice, Cost Management, Organizational Design, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here