Automated compliance checking in AEC in the era of AI and LLMs: A review (2022–2025)

Senousy, Youssef and Cheung, Franco and Beach, Thomas and Elezaj, Ogerta and Vakaj, Edlira (2026) Automated compliance checking in AEC in the era of AI and LLMs: A review (2022–2025). Automation in Construction, 191. p. 107165. ISSN 0926-5805

Preview

Text 1-s2.0-S0926580526004061-main.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (5MB)

Abstract

Since 2022, advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) have reshaped Automated Compliance Checking (ACC) in AEC. This review applies an AI-driven PRISMA workflow combining LLM-assisted discovery and screening with transparent provenance and audit trails. Studies are mapped to five ACC pipeline stages: rule interpretation, model preparation, rule execution, reporting, and decision support. Iterative coding identifies ten cross-cutting themes used as analytical lenses: Multimodal Information Extraction, Formalisation of Regulatory Text, Semantic Alignment with BIM/IFC, Integration of Ontologies and Knowledge Graphs, Rule Representation and Reasoning, Model-Driven Compliance Intelligence, Tool Development and Real-World Application, Explainability and Trust in AI Systems, Human-in-the-Loop Approaches, Evaluation and Benchmarking. The analysis examines their presence across stages, highlights the rise of LLM-assisted rule discovery, and identifies assurance practices. The review presents a stage-based gap analysis, an evidence-based agenda for interpretable, auditable, multimodal ACC, and a reproducible method for maintaining a living review over time.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.autcon.2026.107165
Dates:	Date Event 21 July 2026 Accepted 4 August 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Artificial Intelligence (AI), AutomateD Compliance Checking (ACC), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Explainability, Human-in-the-loop (HITL), Large Language Models (LLMs)
Subjects:	CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-01 - computer science
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Computer Science
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2026 14:58
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2026 14:58
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17294

Actions (login required)

View Item