Exploration and Integration Potential of ChatGPT in Civil Engineering: Advances, Challenges and Application Prospects

Integrating emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, is driving a significant transformation in civil engineering. This research aims to determine the impact and potential applications of ChatGPT, a large-scale generative artificial intelligence model in civil engineering, as well as the advances and challenges for its implementation. To do this, a narrative review methodology was used, focused on understanding the obstacles, discovering its applications and demonstrating the potential of ChatGPT in civil engineering. From this, it was found that this tool, with its great capacity to process and generate natural language, positively influences integration with civil engineering. In particular, advances were identified in automated technical documentation generation and policy development. Additionally, applications, such as education and training, real-time data interpretation, project planning and scheduling, adherence to regulations, consultation tools and personalized learning were proposed. At the same time, technical challenges were identified and addressed, proposing security measures to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. Finally, it is concluded that ChatGPT not only presents itself as a revolutionary tool in civil engineering but also offers a wide range of applications within the discipline, establishing itself as a technology with the potential to redefine contemporary practices and methodologies in the sector.