Not long ago, the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) helping to design roads, bridges, and buildings felt like the premise of a science fiction movie. Today, AI has the potential to become another tool in the geotechnical engineer’s toolbox. The key to successful implementation of this new tool will be to enhance the engineer’s skills while remaining mindful to not replace creativity, engineering judgement, and knowledge gained from experience. Wallace Group believes that thoughtful use of AI can help engineers work more efficiently and may uncover insights in complex data sets that were not previously visible. Additionally, AI has the potential to complete repetitive tasks which will allow engineers more time to dedicate to solving complex engineering challenges. It is imperative that engineers understand and one day embrace AI as a useful tool to remain competitive.
AI is the new buzzword not only in geotechnical engineering, but in all engineering professions. You cannot attend a technical conference without it being the headliner and it is difficult to get research funding without incorporating it. But how is AI really being used?
AI Uses in Geotechnical Engineering
In the geotechnical engineering profession, AI has the potential to impact our work in several areas including data collection, modeling, reporting, and decision support. Several uses of AI have been incorporated into various areas of the profession. For example, digital twins and remote sensing involves the application of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, and remote sensors to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of project sites and infrastructure. During construction, the AI-supported drones, cameras, and field sensors can track progress, compare site conditions with Building Information Modeling (BIM) or digital twin data, detect quality-control issues, and flag safety concerns before they lead to delays or rework.
Data extraction and intelligence applications utilize large language models to mine data from decades of previous engineering reports. The use of this tool can drastically reduce the time needed to perform historic research. There is potential to unlock decades of past borehole logs and soil and rock lab test results.
Several currently available geotechnical engineering software packages include the ability to use an AI assistant to act as a chatbot. The system has been trained on the program fundamentals, applicable conference papers, and technical resources which allow the engineer to pose questions about the software workflow, technical concepts, and to aid in troubleshooting. The programs can recommend appropriate parameters and automate repetitive modeling tasks. This allows geotechnical engineers to speed the learning process on finite elements and limit equilibrium analysis.
The Future of AI
Potential future uses of AI include modeling scenarios where engineers input the data and problem and let the modeling program do the rest. Modeling programs are planning to one day prepare the engineering reports, reducing documentation time, but leaving the final engineering judgement decisions to the human engineer. While geotechnical engineers must still validate AI-generated results with sound engineering judgment, AI is becoming an important tool for improving accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making in geotechnical engineering.
Challenges with real life AI implementation exist including accuracy, reliance on poor data sets, ethics, and maintaining insurance coverage. Licensing standards lag behind AI capabilities which result in professional liability concerns. Wallace Group believes that, in the future, AI will be most valuable when it enhances — not replaces — the expertise, judgement, and accountability of engineers. AI should only be implemented ethically, responsibly, and transparently to ensure that every engineering decision continues to be guided by experienced professionals. As AI technology evolves, Wallace Group will continually evaluate new tools that have the potential to improve efficiency, strengthen quality, and deliver greater value to our clients while upholding the high standards of our profession.
Lisa Splitter, P.E., G.E., is Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Wallace Group, Inc., a geo-environmental engineering and construction services firm based in Bend.
