The rapid development of AI has driven the innovation of teaching concepts and methods. This paper focuses on the application of AI in the teaching of civil engineering construction within the civil engineering discipline. Students are required to use an AI + literature query model to complete assignments as part of the course. Through five progressive assignments, classroom guidance, and the collection of student feedback, it is found that the AI + literature query model can enhance students’ learning efficiency, strengthen their conceptual understanding, and alter their learning methods and habits. AI demonstrates limitations in professional terminology accuracy and logical rigor, which must be complemented by literature query and teacher guidance. In addition, differences in students’ learning initiative and comprehension ability affect the operation effect of the model. Comprehensive teaching results show that under the targeted guidance of teachers, this model can effectively improve the teaching quality.