Artificial Intelligence in Infrastructure: Thoughts from our Innovation Manager

At SRC, innovation is embedded in our work—it’s one of the core values that shapes the way we operate. We’re consistently looking for more efficient and effective ways to deliver projects and one of the most exciting ways we’re doing this is through our adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As part of our Knowledge Transfer Partnership with University College London (UCL), supported by Innovate UK (IUK), we welcomed Israel Mariaca to the team as Innovation Manager. Israel is leading the integration of AI and business analytics into the heart of our operations.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in project management and BIM, Israel pairs practical industry knowledge with deep academic insight. His PhD at UCL focused on how AI, automation, and gamification can improve construction scheduling—proving how emerging technologies can drive more effective and efficient project delivery.

We caught up with Israel to hear his take on how AI is reshaping the infrastructure industry.

How do you see AI transforming the way we manage and maintain infrastructure over the next decade?

“AI is already part of our day-to-day routines—often without us noticing—and its influence on infrastructure management will only grow. Over the next decade, we’ll see AI automating a wide range of tasks, from compliance checks to resource allocation, while providing powerful predictive insights to reduce risks and improve project outcomes, letting us test scenarios and optimise designs before committing resources, enhancing both operational efficiency and sustainability. Meanwhile, truly leveraging AI will require high-quality data and a clear strategic vision, ensuring we focus on solving the right problems rather than just deploying technology for its own sake. The net result is likely to be more agile, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure—an outcome that becomes even more critical as global demands and environmental pressures continue to rise.”

How can AI contribute to sustainability and reducing environmental impact in engineering projects?

“AI can significantly enhance sustainability efforts in infrastructure by identifying ways to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and mitigate environmental risks. For instance, AI-driven tools can optimise designs to lower carbon footprints, and digital twins allow project teams to model various scenarios before construction begins—assessing environmental impacts and refining plans based on real-time data. AI-powered predictive analytics can also spot potential issues—such as water pollution risks or excessive energy consumption—early in a project’s life cycle, enabling more targeted interventions. Overall, AI helps humans make data-driven decisions that boost efficiency, minimise waste, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, ultimately leading to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.”

What is the biggest misconception people have about AI in infrastructure, and how can you address it?

“The biggest misconception is thinking AI can solve every infrastructure challenge by itself. In reality, AI is an enabler—not a magic solution. It requires high-quality, well-structured data and a clear purpose to deliver meaningful results. AI won’t simply give us “the answer,” but it helps us pinpoint the right questions and frees people to tackle more complex issues. Crucially, human expertise is still needed to interpret insights and guide decisions. By combining a thoughtful strategy, robust data, and human judgment, AI becomes truly transformative. Because today’s AI is the worst it will ever be, we’ve only begun to explore its full potential—making this an exciting time to reimagine how we plan, build, and maintain our shared infrastructure.”