Few-Shot Examples for Construction AI
Overview
Curated few-shot examples for construction industry AI tasks. These examples improve LLM performance by providing domain-specific context for classification, extraction, and analysis tasks.
Few-Shot Framework
Example Manager
from dataclasses import dataclass, field
from typing import List, Dict, Any, Optional
import json
import random
@dataclass
class FewShotExample:
input: str
output: str
explanation: Optional[str] = None
tags: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)
difficulty: str = "medium" # easy, medium, hard
source: str = ""
@dataclass
class ExampleSet:
name: str
description: str
task_type: str
examples: List[FewShotExample]
version: str = "1.0"
def get_examples(self, n: int = 3, difficulty: str = None) -> List[FewShotExample]:
"""Get n examples, optionally filtered by difficulty."""
filtered = self.examples
if difficulty:
filtered = [e for e in self.examples if e.difficulty == difficulty]
return filtered[:n]
def get_random_examples(self, n: int = 3) -> List[FewShotExample]:
"""Get n random examples for variety."""
return random.sample(self.examples, min(n, len(self.examples)))
def format_for_prompt(self, n: int = 3) -> str:
"""Format examples for inclusion in prompt."""
examples = self.get_examples(n)
formatted = []
for i, ex in enumerate(examples, 1):
formatted.append(f"Example {i}:")
formatted.append(f"Input: {ex.input}")
formatted.append(f"Output: {ex.output}")
if ex.explanation:
formatted.append(f"Explanation: {ex.explanation}")
formatted.append("")
return "\n".join(formatted)
class ConstructionExampleLibrary:
"""Library of construction-specific few-shot examples."""
def __init__(self):
self.example_sets: Dict[str, ExampleSet] = {}
self._register_defaults()
def register(self, example_set: ExampleSet):
self.example_sets[example_set.name] = example_set
def get(self, name: str) -> Optional[ExampleSet]:
return self.example_sets.get(name)
def _register_defaults(self):
for example_set in DEFAULT_EXAMPLE_SETS:
self.register(example_set)CSI Classification Examples
CSI_CLASSIFICATION_EXAMPLES = ExampleSet(
name="csi_classification",
description="Examples for classifying line items to CSI MasterFormat",
task_type="classification",
examples=[
FewShotExample(
input="4000 PSI structural concrete for foundations",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "03",
"csi_section": "03 30 00",
"csi_title": "Cast-in-Place Concrete",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Structural concrete is Division 03, Cast-in-Place section",
tags=["concrete", "structural"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Grade 60 #5 reinforcing steel",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "03",
"csi_section": "03 20 00",
"csi_title": "Concrete Reinforcing",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Rebar is in Division 03 under reinforcing, not Division 05 Metals",
tags=["rebar", "concrete"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="8\" CMU block wall with vertical rebar",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "04",
"csi_section": "04 22 00",
"csi_title": "Concrete Unit Masonry",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="CMU is concrete masonry, Division 04",
tags=["masonry", "cmu"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="W12x26 structural steel beams",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "05",
"csi_section": "05 12 00",
"csi_title": "Structural Steel Framing",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Wide flange beams are structural steel, Division 05",
tags=["steel", "structural"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="6\" spray foam insulation R-38",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "07",
"csi_section": "07 21 00",
"csi_title": "Thermal Insulation",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="All insulation types are in Division 07",
tags=["insulation", "thermal"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Hollow metal door frame 3'x7'",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "08",
"csi_section": "08 11 00",
"csi_title": "Metal Doors and Frames",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Metal doors and frames are in Division 08 Openings",
tags=["doors", "openings"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="5/8\" Type X gypsum board on metal studs",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "09",
"csi_section": "09 29 00",
"csi_title": "Gypsum Board",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Gypsum board (drywall) is in Division 09 Finishes",
tags=["drywall", "finishes"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="VCT flooring in corridors",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "09",
"csi_section": "09 65 00",
"csi_title": "Resilient Flooring",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="VCT (vinyl composition tile) is resilient flooring in Division 09",
tags=["flooring", "finishes"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Fire sprinkler system - ordinary hazard",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "21",
"csi_section": "21 13 00",
"csi_title": "Fire-Suppression Sprinkler Systems",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Fire sprinklers are Division 21 Fire Suppression",
tags=["fire protection", "mep"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Domestic water piping - copper type L",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "22",
"csi_section": "22 11 00",
"csi_title": "Facility Water Distribution",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Domestic water piping is Division 22 Plumbing",
tags=["plumbing", "mep"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="VAV boxes with hot water reheat",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "23",
"csi_section": "23 36 00",
"csi_title": "Air Terminal Units",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="VAV boxes are air terminal units in Division 23 HVAC",
tags=["hvac", "mep"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="277/480V 3-phase electrical distribution panel",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "26",
"csi_section": "26 24 00",
"csi_title": "Switchboards and Panelboards",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Electrical panels are in Division 26",
tags=["electrical", "mep"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Site excavation and grading - 5000 CY",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "31",
"csi_section": "31 20 00",
"csi_title": "Earth Moving",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Excavation and grading is Division 31 Earthwork",
tags=["sitework", "earthwork"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Asphalt paving for parking lot - 3\" thick",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "32",
"csi_section": "32 12 00",
"csi_title": "Flexible Paving",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Asphalt paving is in Division 32 Exterior Improvements",
tags=["paving", "sitework"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="8\" DIP water main with fittings",
output=json.dumps({
"csi_division": "33",
"csi_section": "33 11 00",
"csi_title": "Water Utility Distribution Piping",
"confidence": "high"
}),
explanation="Site utilities are in Division 33",
tags=["utilities", "sitework"],
difficulty="medium"
)
]
)RFI Classification Examples
RFI_CLASSIFICATION_EXAMPLES = ExampleSet(
name="rfi_classification",
description="Examples for classifying RFI types and urgency",
task_type="classification",
examples=[
FewShotExample(
input="Drawing A-301 shows a door at grid line 5, but the structural drawing S-102 shows a column at the same location. Please clarify.",
output=json.dumps({
"rfi_type": "conflict_clarification",
"disciplines": ["architectural", "structural"],
"urgency": "high",
"impact_areas": ["design", "schedule"],
"suggested_routing": "architect"
}),
explanation="Drawing conflict between disciplines requires urgent resolution",
tags=["conflict", "multi-discipline"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input="Specification section 09 91 00 calls for Benjamin Moore paint, but we would like to submit Sherwin-Williams as an equal. Is this acceptable?",
output=json.dumps({
"rfi_type": "substitution_request",
"disciplines": ["architectural"],
"urgency": "low",
"impact_areas": ["cost"],
"suggested_routing": "architect"
}),
explanation="Substitution request is low urgency, cost-driven",
tags=["substitution", "finishes"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="We encountered rock during excavation at elevation 95.5'. Drawings show bottom of footing at elevation 94.0'. How should we proceed?",
output=json.dumps({
"rfi_type": "field_condition",
"disciplines": ["structural", "geotechnical"],
"urgency": "critical",
"impact_areas": ["design", "cost", "schedule"],
"suggested_routing": "structural_engineer"
}),
explanation="Unforeseen site condition affecting structural design is critical",
tags=["field condition", "foundation"],
difficulty="hard"
),
FewShotExample(
input="What is the required fire rating for the corridor walls on Level 2? The drawing notes are unclear.",
output=json.dumps({
"rfi_type": "clarification",
"disciplines": ["architectural"],
"urgency": "medium",
"impact_areas": ["design"],
"suggested_routing": "architect"
}),
explanation="Missing information request, medium urgency",
tags=["fire rating", "clarification"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input="The mechanical contractor has proposed routing ductwork through the structural transfer beam. Please confirm this is acceptable.",
output=json.dumps({
"rfi_type": "coordination",
"disciplines": ["mechanical", "structural"],
"urgency": "high",
"impact_areas": ["design", "schedule"],
"suggested_routing": "structural_engineer"
}),
explanation="MEP penetration through structural element requires SE approval",
tags=["coordination", "mep", "structural"],
difficulty="medium"
)
]
)Cost Analysis Examples
COST_ANALYSIS_EXAMPLES = ExampleSet(
name="cost_analysis",
description="Examples for cost analysis and validation",
task_type="analysis",
examples=[
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"item": "Cast-in-place concrete",
"unit_cost": 850,
"unit": "CY",
"location": "New York City",
"year": 2026
}),
output=json.dumps({
"assessment": "high",
"typical_range": {"low": 400, "high": 700},
"variance_percent": 21.4,
"likely_causes": ["high local labor rates", "difficult access", "small quantity"],
"recommendation": "Review labor productivity assumptions and access conditions"
}),
explanation="NYC concrete costs are high, but $850/CY exceeds typical range",
tags=["concrete", "unit cost", "validation"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"item": "Structural steel erection",
"unit_cost": 1200,
"unit": "TON",
"location": "Houston, TX",
"year": 2026
}),
output=json.dumps({
"assessment": "reasonable",
"typical_range": {"low": 1000, "high": 1500},
"variance_percent": 0,
"likely_causes": [],
"recommendation": "No action needed - within expected range"
}),
explanation="Steel erection cost is within normal Houston range",
tags=["steel", "unit cost", "validation"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"item": "Gypsum board partition",
"unit_cost": 3.50,
"unit": "SF",
"location": "Phoenix, AZ",
"year": 2026
}),
output=json.dumps({
"assessment": "low",
"typical_range": {"low": 6, "high": 12},
"variance_percent": -41.7,
"likely_causes": ["missing framing", "missing tape/finish", "labor underestimated"],
"recommendation": "Verify scope includes metal studs, insulation, and Level 4 finish"
}),
explanation="Very low drywall cost likely missing scope items",
tags=["drywall", "unit cost", "validation"],
difficulty="medium"
)
]
)Schedule Analysis Examples
SCHEDULE_ANALYSIS_EXAMPLES = ExampleSet(
name="schedule_analysis",
description="Examples for schedule analysis and review",
task_type="analysis",
examples=[
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"activity": "Foundation concrete pour",
"duration": 45,
"duration_unit": "days",
"quantity": 2500,
"quantity_unit": "CY"
}),
output=json.dumps({
"assessment": "duration_appears_long",
"typical_production": "100-150 CY/day",
"expected_duration_range": {"low": 17, "high": 25},
"possible_reasons": ["phased pours", "complex formwork", "cure time included"],
"recommendation": "Review activity scope - may include formwork and curing"
}),
explanation="45 days for 2500 CY seems long unless multiple activities combined",
tags=["concrete", "duration", "validation"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"activity": "Steel erection",
"duration": 60,
"duration_unit": "days",
"quantity": 500,
"quantity_unit": "tons",
"resources": ["1 erection crew"]
}),
output=json.dumps({
"assessment": "reasonable",
"typical_production": "8-12 tons/day/crew",
"expected_duration_range": {"low": 42, "high": 63},
"possible_reasons": [],
"recommendation": "Duration is within expected range for single crew"
}),
explanation="500 tons with 1 crew at 8-10 tons/day = 50-63 days",
tags=["steel", "duration", "validation"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"predecessor": "Foundation complete",
"successor": "Steel erection",
"lag": -5,
"lag_unit": "days"
}),
output=json.dumps({
"assessment": "aggressive",
"concern": "Steel erection starting 5 days before foundation complete",
"typical_practice": "FS+0 to FS+5 lag for concrete cure",
"risk_level": "high",
"recommendation": "Verify foundation is cured sufficiently before steel loads applied"
}),
explanation="Negative lag on foundation to steel is risky",
tags=["logic", "dependency", "validation"],
difficulty="hard"
)
]
)BIM Data Examples
BIM_EXTRACTION_EXAMPLES = ExampleSet(
name="bim_extraction",
description="Examples for BIM data extraction and interpretation",
task_type="extraction",
examples=[
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"element_type": "IfcWall",
"properties": {
"Name": "Interior Partition",
"IsExternal": False,
"FireRating": "1 Hour",
"Pset_WallCommon.Width": 0.165,
"BaseQuantities.GrossArea": 45.5,
"BaseQuantities.NetArea": 42.3
}
}),
output=json.dumps({
"classification": "Interior wall",
"fire_rated": True,
"fire_rating": "1 Hour",
"thickness_mm": 165,
"thickness_in": 6.5,
"gross_area_m2": 45.5,
"gross_area_sf": 490,
"net_area_sf": 455,
"opening_deduction_pct": 7.0
}),
explanation="Extract and convert BIM properties to construction quantities",
tags=["wall", "quantities", "ifc"],
difficulty="medium"
),
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"element_type": "IfcDoor",
"properties": {
"Name": "D-01",
"OverallWidth": 0.914,
"OverallHeight": 2.134,
"FireRating": None,
"Pset_DoorCommon.IsExternal": False,
"Pset_DoorCommon.HandicapAccessible": True
}
}),
output=json.dumps({
"door_type": "D-01",
"size": "3'-0\" x 7'-0\"",
"size_standard": "36x84",
"fire_rated": False,
"ada_compliant": True,
"classification": "Interior door, ADA"
}),
explanation="Interpret door properties for specification compliance",
tags=["door", "ada", "ifc"],
difficulty="easy"
),
FewShotExample(
input=json.dumps({
"element_type": "IfcSpace",
"properties": {
"Name": "Conference Room 101",
"LongName": "Large Conference Room",
"Pset_SpaceCommon.NetFloorArea": 55.7,
"Pset_SpaceOccupancyRequirements.OccupancyNumber": 20,
"Pset_SpaceFireSafetyRequirements.FireRiskFactor": "Low"
}
}),
output=json.dumps({
"space_name": "Conference Room 101",
"net_area_sf": 600,
"occupancy": 20,
"area_per_person_sf": 30,
"occupancy_assessment": "typical for conference",
"code_check": "IBC allows 15 SF/person for assembly, 600 SF / 15 = 40 max"
}),
explanation="Validate space programming against code requirements",
tags=["space", "occupancy", "code"],
difficulty="hard"
)
]
)Using Examples in Prompts
# Initialize library
library = ConstructionExampleLibrary()
# Get example set
csi_examples = library.get("csi_classification")
# Format for prompt
examples_text = csi_examples.format_for_prompt(n=3)
# Build complete prompt
prompt = f"""Classify the following line items to CSI MasterFormat.
{examples_text}
Now classify these items:
1. Aluminum storefront framing
2. Acoustic ceiling tiles
3. Elevator cab finishes
"""
# Or get specific examples
easy_examples = csi_examples.get_examples(n=2, difficulty="easy")
random_examples = csi_examples.get_random_examples(n=3)Adding Custom Examples
# Create custom example set for your project
my_examples = ExampleSet(
name="my_project_classification",
description="Project-specific classification examples",
task_type="classification",
examples=[
FewShotExample(
input="Your specific input",
output="Expected output",
explanation="Why this classification",
tags=["custom"],
difficulty="medium"
)
]
)
# Register to library
library.register(my_examples)Best Practices
- Diverse Examples: Include examples across difficulty levels
- Edge Cases: Add examples for ambiguous situations
- Explanations: Include reasoning for complex examples
- Regular Updates: Add new examples as edge cases are discovered
- Balance: Mix easy and hard examples to calibrate model
Resources
- Few-Shot Learning: https://www.promptingguide.ai/techniques/fewshot
- CSI MasterFormat: Complete division listings
- Construction Terminology: Industry glossaries and standards