Artificial-intelligence-led revolution of construction materials : From molecules to Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 promotes the transformation of manufacturing industry to intelligence, which demands advances in materials, devices, and systems of the construction industry. Researchers of construction materials have incorporated artificial intelligence technology to accelerate these advances. From this perspective, we evaluate the latest advances in applying machine learning to the development of concrete, fiber-reinforced composites, and metals in improving their durability, sustainability, safety, and recyclability. We highlight how artificial intelligence addresses the challenges of material research, emphasizing the peculiarities of the construction industry under the Industry 4.0 framework. Based on the advances in artificial intelligence, we envision integration with Industry 4.0, starting with digitization of construction materials, progressing to advanced manufacturing, and eventually aiming to the level of intelligent application and operation of buildings. A revolutionary future can be envisaged in which design, manufacturing, and application of construction materials involve the meticulous integration of artificial intelligence, big data with all theory, experiments, and computations. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.