Artificial intelligence is becoming a useful tool in construction, but it should not be treated as a final authority for concrete standards, specifications, or code requirements.

A recent jobsite question involved concrete surface finish categories listed as SF1 through SF5 and attributed to ACI SPEC-301-23. However, ACI SPEC-301-23 does not exist. The latest version of ACI SPEC-301 was published in 2020, and the current surface finish categories remain SF-1 through SF-3.

This type of mistake shows one of the risks of using AI tools for technical information. Large language models can generate responses that sound confident and detailed, while still including information that is incorrect or completely fabricated. When prompted about concrete surface finishes, ChatGPT produced a detailed explanation of nonexistent SF1 through SF5 categories for an ACI SPEC-301-23 standard that does not exist.

AI can still be helpful. It may assist with summaries, drafting, training, research, or general conceptual understanding. However, it cannot approve design work, replace code-compliant design, officially interpret contract documents, or be cited as an authority in submittals, specifications, or RFI responses.

Responsibility remains with the licensed design professional. Design assumptions, code references, calculations, drawings, specifications, reports, and judgments influenced by AI-generated information must be reviewed and verified before being used in project documents or construction decisions.

The best practice is simple: use AI as a support tool, not as the source of truth. Always verify standards, tolerances, specifications, and code requirements directly with trusted sources such as ACI, ASTM, manufacturer specifications, and official project documents. AI-generated information can be useful, but it must be fact-checked before it is relied on.

Bottom line: AI has a place in concrete construction, but accuracy, compliance, and public safety still depend on verified sources and qualified professionals.

Excerpt from original Q&A article published March 2026 on concreteinternational.com Read the complete article.