AI applications for structural design automation

In recent years, there has been an increase in artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the field of structural engineering. With the rapid development of AI, new opportunities have emerged to use this technology to generate and check the structural design. Over the last few years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of publications relating to AI applications in structural design. This paper presents a systematic review of previous studies on the applications of AI in structural design. A total of 134 papers were analyzed. The review shows that AI techniques have benefited engineers in generating optimized structural design solutions that meet the requirements of building codes and design standards. Additionally, challenges and future opportunities are presented and discussed. This review will contribute to the body of knowledge by summarizing the state-of-the-art of using AI technologies in structural design and exploring future research opportunities in this area. • Reviewed 134 articles on the application of AI in structural design. • Identified two primary areas and six subfields within AI's domain in structural design. • Highlighted five significant challenges currently faced in the field. • Suggested six opportunities for future research and development in AI applications for structural design.

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Publication Details

Journal
Automation in Construction
Published
2025-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106496
Citations
6
Primary Topic
BIM and Construction Integration
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
6.04

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article

AI applications for structural design automation

Qipei Mei, Ying Hei Chui, Hao Xie
6 citations
Automation in Construction
BIM and Construction Integration
6.04
article

AI applications for structural design automation

Qipei Mei, Ying Hei Chui, Hao Xie
article en
6 citations

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the field of structural engineering. With the rapid development of AI, new opportunities have emerged to use this technology to generate and check the structural design. Over the last few years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of publications relating to AI applications in structural design. This paper presents a systematic review of previous studies on the applications of AI in structural design. A total of 134 papers were analyzed. The review shows that AI techniques have benefited engineers in generating optimized structural design solutions that meet the requirements of building codes and design standards. Additionally, challenges and future opportunities are presented and discussed. This review will contribute to the body of knowledge by summarizing the state-of-the-art of using AI technologies in structural design and exploring future research opportunities in this area. • Reviewed 134 articles on the application of AI in structural design. • Identified two primary areas and six subfields within AI's domain in structural design. • Highlighted five significant challenges currently faced in the field. • Suggested six opportunities for future research and development in AI applications for structural design.

Automation in ConstructionVol. 179
University of Alberta (CA)
Alberta Innovates, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
BIM and Construction Integration
6.04
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AI applications for structural design automation — Qipei Mei, Ying Hei Chui, et al. · Automation in Construction (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS