Quantum Computing and the AEC Industry: Trends, Challenges, Near Term Practical Opportunities and Future Outlook

ABSTRACTDigital

computing and allied communication tools have been phenomenal, but they are

fast reaching their technical limits and also their capacity to solve certain

extant complex problems. Quantum computing has now emerged with a touted

potential to deal with aspects of the latter complex problems and also

significantly transform extant computing and communication methods. Yet,

little studies exist in the AEC industry related literature on quantum

computing to boost awareness and also explore its prospective impact on the AEC

industry.

This paper

discusses the underpinning basic concepts, technologies and trends in the quantum

computing domain to build awareness to boost Architecture, Engineering and

Construction (AEC) industry capacity on the topic. The paper dissects the

challenges in this novel area. And also examines the near term practical opportunities

and potential impact of quantum computing on the AEC industry. The paper

concludes with suggestions for practice and future research.