Can AI (Artificial Intelligence) take our jobs? An article written almost entirely by AI.

I've was contacted recently by 'Channel 4' who are producing a new Tv series titled 'Can Ai take your job'. They were interested in our development of the inspection robot which was designed and built in the states by Machine Lab inc, and is used by our surveyors to inspect inaccessible crawls spaces such as roof and sub-floor voids. Channel 4 were interested in the possibility of the robot incorporating AI and what impact this could have on our role as building surveyors, could we be replaced by AI robots?

Although our robot incorporates state of the art technology including rotating arms for manoeuvrability, high definition front and rear facing cameras, onboard lighting and excellent communication and control systems between the robot and operator, it doesn't yet incorporate AI with the ability to interpret and understand what it's observing, that's why I'm currently so important. But who's to say that this technology couldn't in the future?

I've recently been testing some of the online AI platforms and I'm amazed at just how good the content is that these platforms produce.

I asked Deepai.org several questions related to my role as a building surveyor and here are the responses. I take no credit for these responses they were entirely generated by AI.

WARNING ALL THE FOLLOWING CONTENT WAS PRODUCED ENTIRELY BY AI.

Explain Rising Damp?

"Rising damp is a type of dampness that occurs in buildings where groundwater rises through porous materials like walls and floors. It is caused by the capillary action of water, which means that water can move upwards through tiny spaces between materials, like brickwork or mortar. Rising damp can lead to wet patches on walls, corrosion of metal fixtures and fittings, and an unpleasant musty smell. It can also cause damage to plaster and paintwork and attract insects and pests. Rising damp is often caused by inadequate waterproofing, poor drainage, or inadequate ventilation. To prevent rising damp, it is essential to install proper waterproofing measures during construction or to retrofit waterproofing options for existing buildings. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and moisture control can help reduce the likelihood of rising damp."

Explain Hygroscopic Salts?

"Hygroscopic salts are substances that have the ability to attract, absorb, and hold onto moisture from the surrounding atmosphere by a process called hygroscopy. These salts are often found in damp buildings where they can absorb moisture from the air, even when the air contains very little water vapor, making the building continuously damp. Examples of hygroscopic salts commonly found in buildings include potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and calcium chloride. When these salts absorb the moisture in the air, they dissolve and migrate to the building surface, where they crystallize when the water evaporates. As moisture is drawn to the surface, it can cause a range of problems, such as salt deposits, blistering or flaking paint, and damage to plaster or masonry. Over time, this can cause structural damage to the building. Controlling the presence of hygroscopic salts can help to prevent the associated moisture and damage effects. This can be achieved through proper building design, including adequate"

Explain How Vapour Permeable Materials Work?

Vapour permeable materials are materials that allow water vapour to pass through them, while also protecting against liquid water intrusion. These materials work by utilizing small pores in the material that are small enough to prevent the infiltration of liquid water, but large enough to allow water in the form of vapour to pass through.

In buildings, vapour permeable materials are used to create a breathable envelope that allows moisture to escape from the interior of the building, while also protecting the building from the outside elements. This is important because moisture that becomes trapped within building materials can cause a range of issues, including the growth of mold and bacteria, wood rot, and structural damage.

Materials that are vapor-permeable include certain types of insulation, sheathing, and roofing materials. For example, fiberglass insulation is typically more permeable than foam insulation, which can create a vapor barrier. Some types of wood or fiber-based sheathing, such as plywood, are also considered to be vapor-permeable.

Vapour permeable materials are particularly useful in climates with large temperature and humidity variations, as they allow for air to flow in and out more easily, which helps to regulate the indoor environment and prevent moisture buildup. However, it is important to note that while these materials can help to reduce moisture buildup in the structure, they alone are not sufficient for preventing moisture infiltration and may need to be used in conjunction with other moisture management strategies."

Explain why Cement Mortar is Damaging to Traditionally Constructed Properties?

"Cement mortar is damaging to traditionally constructed period properties because it is much harder and less permeable than the materials it is often used to bond together. Traditionally constructed period properties were often built using materials such as brick, stone, or lime mortar, which were much softer and allowed for movement and absorption of moisture.

When cement is used to repoint or repair these structures, it creates a non-breathable surface that traps moisture within the wall system, preventing evaporation and drying, and leading to several issues such as:

1. Trapped moisture can cause expansion and contraction of the masonry, resulting in cracking, spalling, and crumbling of the bricks or stone.

2. Moisture trapped within the wall system can lead to dampness, mold growth, and rotting of timber fittings.

3. The higher strength of cement can cause damage to the softer and more flexible traditional materials and result in structural failure.

Moreover, cement is not compatible with lime mortar, which was the traditional mortar used in period properties. Lime mortars are more flexible, porous, and lighter, allowing for the building to breathe and take natural movements without damage. If cement mortar is used to repair lime mortar, it can result in the crushing of the softer mortar. The use of cement can also result in adding unsightly and irreversible scars to the building fa?ade due to the difference in color and texture of cement and traditional materials.

In summary, traditional period properties require a level of compromise by not overusing hard and incompatible modern materials that can damage the building while finding a balance between repair and conservation. Therefore, using cement mortar for period properties is not appropriate, and it is recommended to use traditional materials such as lime mortar and sympathetic repair methods to ensure the long-term preservation of these buildings."

Explain Inspection Robots for Buildings?

Inspection robots for buildings are robotic devices designed to move around a building to capture visual or thermal images, test structural integrity, or measure various environmental parameters. These robots are typically equipped with cameras, sensors, and other measuring tools that can gather data, which is then analyzed to identify areas of concern or maintenance needs. Some of the main functions of inspection robots for buildings can include identifying sources of heat loss, detecting moisture or water damage, testing air quality, checking for leaks or cracks, and detecting hazards or structural issues. Depending on the type of building, these robots can be designed to move along walls, crawl spaces, or other areas that may not be easily accessible for human inspection. There are several benefits to using inspection robots for buildings, including their ability to access difficult-to-reach or dangerous areas, their speed and accuracy when gathering data, and their ability to operate in a range of conditions. Additionally, because inspection robots are automated, they can work around the clock, minimizing disruptions to building occupants and efficiently covering larger buildings or complex structures. As technology improves, inspection robots for buildings are expected to become more advanced, incorporating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and more sophisticated sensors and imaging devices to provide more detailed and nuanced data for building owners and managers.

and finally............

Does AI Have The Potential to Supersede Human Building Surveyors?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to assist and enhance the work of human building surveyors, but it is unlikely to supersede them. Building surveying involves a wide range of skills, experience, and judgement that are crucial in delivering the highest level of service to clients. While AI can automate certain aspects of building surveying, such as data collection and analysis, it cannot fully substitute the expertise and human decision-making required for building surveying.

Here are some reasons why AI is unlikely to replace human building surveyors:

1. Building surveying requires skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which AI currently lacks.

2. Building surveyors require professional judgment and experience to evaluate the significance of data gathered, which is not within the capacity of AI.

3. Building surveyors have the ability to build relationships of trust with clients and stakeholders, which is a crucial aspect of the profession.

4. Building surveying requires a range of site and construction knowledge, which cannot be substituted by AI.

5. Building surveying involves personalized work, where knowledge of individual buildings and their environment is critical to maintain and preserve the structures, which cannot be automated.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to become an essential tool in building surveying, assisting professionals in data processing and decision-making. However, the complex and multifaceted nature of building surveying means that human intervention and expertise will continue to be indispensable in ensuring the highest level of service to clients.

So just how safe are our jobs as human building surveyors and what does the future hold?.......

So in conclusion, it looks like our roles as building surveyors are pretty safe for the near to forthcoming future, but it's obvious that AI does have a role in our industry, assisting human surveyors in completing tasks that we consider unsafe / too risky for us to undertake. That's exactly the reason why we developed our inspection robot.

It is also likely that we'll start to see AI generated content in building reports as a quick, cost effective alternative to dictations, typists, speech recognition software and the time consuming process of report production. Will this improve report content and quality, will this also drive down the cost of surveys? we'll have to wait and see.

Almost the entire content of this article was written by AI and with the exception of a few mistakes and Americanisms, it spurt's out some pretty good content. In-fact, the content is probably better than some in RICS building reports I've read over the years and infinitely better than those damp reports produced by the National companies in our industry, we won't name and shame them.

One things for sure, AI is here and it's here to stay, so embrace what's good and keep an eye over your shoulder because one day, it may not be satisfied with just being your assistant!

If you made it this far 'Thank you' and I hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have any questions or queries about these subjects please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Happy surveying - whilst you can AI is coming ;-)

Russ

If you would like to learn more about building preservation, damp diagnosis and/or timber decay you may?find the following articles interesting:

Moisture in wood, how it’s measured, its effects and causes for wood rot and decay.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/moisture-wood-how-its-measured-effects-causes-rot-decay-rafton-/?trackingId=DBmODiunT16T7a0tKQRy1A%3D%3D

Rising Damp Explained

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/rising-damp-explained-everything-you-thought-knew-little-rafton-/?trackingId=46VVDrQYSVeFogt77Zf46A%3D%3D

The Truth About Electrical Moisture Meters -

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/truth-moisture-meters-protimeter-russell-rafton-/?trackingId=MfsVhv1LT4aUYynIj%2F7tqw%3D%3D

Industry Perception Study -?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/industry-perception-study-russell-rafton-/?trackingId=Ljw4I%2FxzQMmu%2BKmbZf2rog%3D%3D

Russell Rafton - Dryfix Preservation Ltd Senior Surveyor

Dryfix Yorkshires Leading Damp & Timber Specialists

A 6 x Industry Award Winning Company with the Property Care Association.

www.dryfix.net