A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF AI APPLICATIONS AND EFFICACY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PLANNING AND SCHEDULING IN THE UNITED STATES.

This study examined the applications and efficacy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction project planning and scheduling in the USA. Using an evaluation survey research design, the study focused on construction companies operating across the country. Forty firms were selected through simple random sampling, and data were collected with a structured, expert-validated questionnaire on AI applications in planning and scheduling. The instrument demonstrated acceptable reliability with a coefficient of 0.79. Descriptive statistics were used to address research questions, while regression analysis tested the stated hypotheses. Findings indicate that AI plays a prominent role in construction project execution through planning support, BIM-driven design automation, and real-time site monitoring and progress tracking. In project planning and scheduling specifically, AI was found to be most effective in analysing historical project data to estimate schedules, costs, and potential risks, thereby improving predictive accuracy in budgeting and time management. However, the study also identified notable weaknesses, particularly the tendency of organizations to over-rely on AI systems without adequate human oversight, which can result in rigid or impractical plans. Results demonstrate a significant positive impact of AI applications on the efficacy of construction project planning and scheduling in the United States. The study concludes that AI delivers the greatest benefits when combined with high-quality data management systems, skilled professionals, and supportive organizational practices. It therefore recommends that construction firms invest in robust data collection, storage, and management infrastructures to ensure consistent, reliable, high-performing planning outcomes nationwide