Artificial Intelligence in Construction: Contemporary Trends and Emerging Directions

Abstract

This study examines current research on artificial intelligence (AI) in construction by combining key international studies with the available Bulgarian scholarly literature. The research shows that recent work has moved from general discussions of AI to integrated applications involving BIM, digital twins, computer vision, structural health monitoring (SHM), robotics, large language models (LLMs), and intelligent energy management. Although smaller in volume and only partly visible internationally, the Bulgarian literature indicates emerging directions related to AI in construction, BIM with AI elements, digital transformation, diagnostics of hydraulic structures, and energy-related applications. On this basis, the paper identifies the main contemporary trends, persistent research gaps, and priorities for future work.