Julien Moutte, Chief Technology Officer at Bentley Systems, explains how artificial intelligence is transforming infrastructure engineering by augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it. In an exclusive interview, Moutte details how AI agents are helping engineers work faster, smarter, and more collaboratively on complex projects like Crossrail and Heathrow Airport expansions.
AI as a Force Multiplier for Civil Engineering
With a growing global demand for infrastructure driven by climate change, population growth, and geopolitical instability, the shortage of civil engineers is becoming critical. Moutte argues that AI can serve as a “force multiplier,” enabling fewer engineers to achieve more, faster, and to higher standards.
Collaboration at Scale with Common Data Environments
Bentley Systems’ software underpins major projects worldwide, including London’s Crossrail (now the Elizabeth line). The company’s common data environment allows multiple engineering firms to share 3D models, drawings, and data in a single platform. AI agents now extend this capability by automatically running quality validations, detecting inconsistencies, and flagging issues before they escalate.
Smarter Scheduling at Heathrow
At Heathrow Airport, Bentley’s SYNCHRO+ software uses AI to optimize construction scheduling. The system automatically assigns tasks in logical order and recalculates programs in real time when conditions change, factoring in variables like weather forecasts that affect concrete pouring.
Giving AI an Engineering License
Moutte emphasizes that AI outputs must be validated by proven engineering tools. Bentley’s approach pairs AI agents with established structural analysis software, ensuring that AI-generated designs meet professional standards. Engineers remain accountable for final designs, with AI acting as a capable assistant.
AI as Orchestrator
Bentley’s portfolio spans structural analysis, geotechnical modeling, and evacuation simulations. AI agents can draw on all these domains simultaneously, running checks across multiple engineering disciplines. This allows engineers to focus on high-level decisions while AI handles routine tasks like technical drawing annotations, which can consume 30-50% of project time.
Open Standards for Long-Term Accessibility
Moutte advocates for open standards, open APIs, and open source to ensure infrastructure data remains accessible for decades. He argues that governments should mandate open approaches for publicly funded projects, enabling future generations to understand and maintain today’s designs.
The Engineer of the Future
As AI takes on more routine work, Moutte sees civil engineers becoming orchestrators who manage teams of AI agents while retaining decision-making authority. This shift allows engineers to focus on more meaningful and rewarding work, applying human intelligence to critical infrastructure decisions.
