Assessment of complexities in implementation of conversational AI for the digital transformation of small construction project

The construction sector is rapidly moving toward the adoption of conversational artificial intelligence (AI). However, several complexities prevent conversational AI from being fully utilized in small construction projects. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key barriers that hinder the successful adoption of conversational AI in small construction projects, focusing on economic, personal, and technical challenges. Data were analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) from a survey of 244 construction industry experts. The scope of the research is limited to small construction projects, with emphasis on the technical and organizational hurdles faced by these projects when integrating conversational AI technologies. The results indicate that economic barriers, such as high implementation costs, have the most significant negative impact (β = 0.382, p < 0.001), followed by personal barriers, including security concerns (β = 0.367, p < 0.001), and technical barriers, such as technical complexity (β = 0.245, p < 0.001). The findings provide crucial insights for stakeholders aiming to overcome these barriers and encourage wider adoption of AI in the construction industry.