A Transformative Era: Survey Highlights AI’s Growing Role in Structural Engineering and the Built Environment

(Dec. 6, 2024) A recent survey conducted by the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) underscores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within structural engineering and the broader built community. The findings showcase both the current state of AI adoption and the profession’s readiness to embrace its exciting future.

Key Highlights from the Survey:

• Expanding AI Use: Almost 30 percent of respondents report using AI tools weekly or daily, reflecting early momentum in leveraging AI for tasks such as internal administration, design optimization, and sustainability enhancements.

• Growing Interest: About 67 percent of respondents expressed interest in adopting AI if equipped with the right tools and training, signaling willingness to innovate.

• Organizational Awareness: With only about 26 percent of respondents reporting that their organizations have formal AI policies, there is an opportunity for AI leadership across the profession.

• Shared Concerns: Transparency, accountability, and ethics emerged as top considerations, with 85 percent of respondents identifying transparency as a key area to address. These concerns underscore the importance of collaborative approaches to ethical AI integration.

A Profession Poised for Transformation
“We are at the threshold of an exciting transformation for structural engineering and the built environment,” says Tricia Ruby, president of the NCSEA Foundation Board of Directors. “While challenges remain, the enthusiasm and curiosity shown in our survey and town hall conversations reflect a profession eager to lead the way in unlocking AI’s potential.

Insights from the NCSEA AI Town Hall
The survey findings align with insights from an NCSEA-hosted town hall, which drew about 750 participants. Live polling during the event revealed that about 65 percent of attendees believe AI will significantly transform the structural engineering profession. The NCSEA AI town hall was hosted by Emily Guglielmo, P.E., C.E., F-SEI, NCSEA Foundation past president, and featured NCSEA’s AI Grant Team.

While the town hall polling revealed enthusiasm for AI, it also confirmed the need for resources and guidance, as about two thirds of participants indicated the need for support to integrate AI effectively into their work.

“Structural engineers have always been at the forefront of innovation in the built environment,” says Alfred T. Spada, NCSEA executive director. “As AI continues to evolve, NCSEA is committed to equipping the profession with the tools, knowledge, and ethical frameworks needed to shape the future responsibly and effectively.”

Building a Collaborative Roadmap for AI Adoption
To meet this demand for AI resources, the NCSEA Foundation is advancing efforts through its AI Grant Team and AI Advisory Board. These initiatives aim to create a comprehensive vision and roadmap for how AI can empower structural engineers to drive innovation, address complex challenges, and build resilient, sustainable communities.

AI Grant Team

Project Manager: John-Michael Wong, KPFF, Structural Engineers Association of California

Aditya Kaushik, Walter P. Moore, Structural Engineers Association of Colorado

Dave Martin, Degenkolb, Structural Engineers Association of California

Ayush Singhania, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Structural Engineers Association of California

Andrew Sundal, HGA, Minnesota Structural Engineers Association

Emre Toprak, Arup, Structural Engineers Association of Metropolitan Washington

Sheng Zheng, Martin/Martin, Structural Engineers Association of Colorado

AI Advisory Board

KP Reddy, Founder & CEO, Shadow Ventures

Robert Otani, Senior Principal & Chief Technology Officer, Thornton Tomasetti

Zak Kostura, Associate Principal, Advanced Digital Engineering, Arup

Kimon Onuma, Founder & President, Onuma, Inc.

Roark Redwood, Sr. Vice President of Technical and Government Solutions, National Institute of Building Sciences

KiSeok Jeon, VP of Digital Advisory, STV

Farahnaz Soleimani, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University