Artificial Intelligence in Civil Engineering: Applications, Research Gaps, and Future Directions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in civil engineering, enabling predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and automation. Unlike traditional deterministic models, AI offers data-driven approaches that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. This study reviews the applications of AI in structural health monitoring, project management, materials research, transportation systems, and disaster management. Comparative analysis demonstrates AI’s superior performance, such as improving crack detection accuracy to over 90%, reducing project delays by 15%, and achieving ±5% accuracy in predicting concrete compressive strength. Research gaps, such as a lack of standardized datasets, model interpretability, and integration with codes, are discussed. Case studies from India and abroad provide proof of AI’s effectiveness. The findings suggest that AI can redefine civil engineering by augmenting human expertise, creating safer, smarter, and more sustainable infrastructure.