David F. Bucher, Jens Hunhevicz, Ranjith K. Soman, Pieter Pauwels · 5 authors
The field of construction informatics is fragmented and lacks clarity in understanding the interconnection of different data management strategies. This makes it challenging to address industry-specific data management issues. Using a critical interpretive synthesis, this study reviews and integrates both present and emerging data management approaches in construction informatics. The review is meant to be comprehensive, encompassing technologies and concepts such as Open Schema, Information Container, Common Data Environments, Linked Data, as well as cutting-edge Web3 technologies such as blockchain and decentralized data protocols. The different approaches are identified and classified into five categories and mapped into a two-dimensional framework that considers data storage and data processing modes. The systematic categorization provides a simple, but comprehensive understanding of data management strategies in construction informatics. Moreover, the framework allows to identify the state of the art and trends of data management approaches, providing guidance for future research perspectives, especially in the intersection with Web3 technologies.
Yongshun Xu, Ming Chi, Heap‐Yih Chong, Cen-Ying Lee · 5 authors
Building information modeling (BIM) and blockchain applications have introduced significant benefits to the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry in recent years. Although publications on BIM and blockchain integration have been increasing, no systematic examination of the present status and managerial implications of integrated BIM and blockchain has been conducted. To bridge this gap, this paper conducts a state-of-the-art review of the development of integrated BIM and blockchain in a built environment. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted to synthesize and analyze the research evidence. The results revealed five key managerial implications of BIM integration with blockchain at the project level: design and collaboration, financial management, construction management, information management, and integration management (with other cutting-edge technologies). Challenges and opportunities are outlined and articulated from both technological and managerial perspectives, such as stakeholder management, impact assessment, real-time project management, information redundancy, and incompatibility.
Xuling Ye, Ningshuang Zeng, Xingyu Tao, Daguang Han · 5 authors
With the digital transformation of the construction industry, the need to improve construction business process collaboration and automation is increasing. However, as construction projects usually involve many stakeholders with complex relationships and insufficient mutual trust, the existing technologies cannot fulfill the requirements of the construction industry. This paper explores the integration of blockchain, smart contracts, and process automation technologies into construction business processes, shedding light on both managerial and technical challenges. The study introduces a comprehensive technical framework meticulously designed to align with the intricate nature of construction practices while focusing on the resolution of legal complexities associated with smart contract applications and the facilitation of process collaboration and automation. The framework comprises three core modules: (1) action definition and extension to process models, (2) standardized mapping for automatic smart contract generation, and (3) smart contract visualization for reliable process collaboration and automation. This multifaceted approach caters to the specific needs of construction management, standardization, interoperability, and visualization. The framework’s practicality is further evaluated through real-world testing within a construction payment case, effectively showcasing its efficacy and applicability in tangible business scenarios. While this paper represents a significant step forward in addressing construction business process collaboration and automation challenges, it acknowledges the necessity for ongoing research and development to refine and expand these innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of construction management.
Increasing expectancy for efficiency in the delivery of building projects and the adoption of lean production processes for construction has made the necessity for the development of an integrated system for cost estimating, cost monitoring, cost control, and payments in the construction lifecycle important. Existing 5D BIM tools are used to estimate the cost of projects during the preconstruction period. There is a lack of integration between the 5D BIM models, existing progress monitoring tools, and payment systems used in construction. Lack of standardization in the use of model elements through the project lifecycle has also been identified as one of the factors limiting automation in 5D BIM. Construction project monitoring can be automated by combining modern technologies that allow for visualization of building progress (Laser scanners, computer vision) with 5D BIM cost estimation tools. These project monitoring tools can be combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Smart contracts to develop an integrated lifecycle system for cost management in construction. This paper examines existing systems used in 5D BIM to develop integrated practices and systems that will streamline the process of cost estimating, cost monitoring, cost control, and cash flow in the construction supply chain. This will reduce the inefficiency that exists today with traditional contracts and payment applications that do not interact with the 5D BIM application. By leveraging a standardized classification ID system throughout a project life cycle and applying AI and smart contract, features like cost estimation cost control, and payments can be fully streamlined, integrated, and automated. A case study of an existing construction project utilizing 5D BIM was examined. According to the study, 5D BIM is used in the pre-construction stage of a cost estimation project. It was also revealed that 5D BIM improves project cost visualization and budget control.
Deigo de Saldnha, Adam Trope, Omokolade Akinsomi, Daramola Olapade · 5 authors
The advancement in digital technologies such as cryptography, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented realities has blurred the difference between reality and the digital world. Through the Metaverse, a 3D virtual environment that serves as a hub for all types of business, education, and leisure experiences; investment activities akin to those in real world are being carried out with the help of augmented and virtual reality services. People now invest in virtual real estate and other digital assets using Non-Fungible Token (NFT). It is however unclear how investors in developing economies such as South Africa view such an investment option. This paper examines the perception of investors in South Africa (SA) on investing in virtual real estate in the Metaverse. This study employs a mixed method approach involving questionnaire administration and interview. Questionnaire were administered on 20 selected investors in South Africa (SA). This was followed up by interview. The results were analysed using descriptive approach. The findings reveal that is a high awareness level (85%) among the selected SA investors on investment in virtual real estate, the willingness to invest in it is however lower (65%) and only 15% of the investors have investment in virtual real estate. The low entry rate of investment in virtual real estate in the Metaverse amidst a high level of willingness to invest shows that there are certain factors preventing investments in it. The study recommends that a robust governance should be put in place to allay the security concern and high volatility expressed by investors This paper is among the few studies that have considered investment in the Metaverse from a real estate perspective.
M. Dhayanand, Mr. A. Aswin Bharath, Mr. P. A. Prabakaran, Ms. U. Sindhu Vaardhini
Digital Twins (DTs) are gaining popularity because they provide precise digital copies of assets, processes, and systems. This is especially true when these DTs are paired with real-time simulation models that make use of modern technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These combinations can provide a comprehensive and dynamic view of the monitored systems. Digital twin (DT) has shown tremendous potential to bring about revolutionary improvements in the field of construction site surveillance. There is, however, a notable paucity of empirical research identifying the constant elements affecting DT adoption in this industry. This research tries to fill that void by identifying the important elements that determine the usage of DT in construction. The study adopts a complete framework with the goal of increasing the use of DT in building site monitoring. The elements influencing the adoption and effectiveness of distributed ledger technology (DT) are divided into three categories: technological, organizational, and economic. Technological factors include the system's appropriateness and the robustness of the data infrastructure. Organizational considerations include the company's openness to innovation and leadership support. Economic aspects include things like return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness. The research technique combines case studies and literature reviews to examine the benefits and drawbacks of DT in construction monitoring. This study's expected output is a comprehensive framework that aids construction businesses in optimizing the use of DT in site monitoring. This would allow for more efficient, data-driven, and forward-thinking processes. The study's ultimate purpose is to provide critical knowledge that will assist the building sector in adopting cutting-edge methods. The industry may better plan for the integration of this sophisticated technology into their operations by knowing the potential of DT and the variables driving its adoption. This, in turn, can lead to more efficiency, lower risks, and improved overall performance
For over a decade, digital modelling has transcended geometric representations to more advanced object-based modelling using real-life attirbutes. Digital technologies, especially Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been widely adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry, while a newer niche - City Information Modelling (CIM) has emerged as an extension of BIM for urban informatics. This research proposes a framework that integrates heterogeneous CIM using a multi-level, nested data environment. The CIM is developed through a network of BIM models synchronized into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interface. The individual BIM models are blockchain-enabled by connecting them to a distributed ledger and shared across a network of project collaborators using a Common Data Environment (CDE) in a Building Level Framework.. The resulting CIM from the network of BIM models is shared between the asset owners in a City Level Framework. Use case scenarios are presented to illustrate the application of the research in real life, and research limitations are discussed. The study aims to improve management of buildings and urban assets, providing a more efficient and secure platform for collaboration and data sharing through a blockchain-CIM integration, providing opportunities for further research in digital modelling and smart technologies.
For over a decade, digital modelling has transcended geometric representations to more advanced object-based modelling using real-life attirbutes. Digital technologies, especially Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been widely adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry, while a newer niche - City Information Modelling (CIM) has emerged as an extension of BIM for urban informatics. This research proposes a framework that integrates heterogeneous CIM using a multi-level, nested data environment. The CIM is developed through a network of BIM models synchronized into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interface. The individual BIM models are blockchain-enabled by connecting them to a distributed ledger and shared across a network of project collaborators using a Common Data Environment (CDE) in a Building Level Framework.. The resulting CIM from the network of BIM models is shared between the asset owners in a City Level Framework. Use case scenarios are presented to illustrate the application of the research in real life, and research limitations are discussed. The study aims to improve management of buildings and urban assets, providing a more efficient and secure platform for collaboration and data sharing through a blockchain-CIM integration, providing opportunities for further research in digital modelling and smart technologies.
Construction industry nowadays is facing several key issues as the likes of cost and time overruns and unstable business environment which lead to suppressed profitability, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. Studies have suggested, an improved Supply Chain Management (SCM) towards Sustainable Supply Chain (SSCM) could help in this regard, however there are barriers observed to its implementation in the construction industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM) too is considered a positive disrupter in the construction industry due to the potential in its applications, and one of such potential is improving the SCM. However, similar to SCM, adoption of BIM faces several barriers. Preliminary review suggests that some of its barriers could be resolved by integrating with Blockchain, another disruptor stemming from Industry 4.0. Hence, this paper attempts to assess how the synergy of BIM and blockchain would improve the SCM of the construction industry. For that purpose, through a systematic literature review, the paper structures the barriers of SCM, and barriers and benefits of BIM and blockchain in construction industry across the dimensions of Socio-technical, Industrial, Organizational, Financial, Legal and Institutional, and Sustainability, and conceptually maps the barriers and benefits to identify their collective impact on SCM. From this study it was found that with the help of Blockchain integration, there are a number of potential synergies that may solve critical inherent issues in both BIM and SCM, such as reluctance of information sharing and trust, sustainability concerns and safety, leading to positive cumulative impact on SCM. However, it was also recognized that there can be negative as well as neutral cumulative impacts on areas such as cost, and lack of personnel, knowledge and institutional support that can lead to an opposite impact.
Blockchain is a form of digital distributed ledger, referring to databases decentralized across numerous users, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions by eliminating or reducing the need for intermediaries to conduct, validate, or authenticate them.It is characterized by transparency, data immutability and traceability, and consensus processes validating cryptographic signatures.The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry is increasingly interested in blockchain.Lean construction (LC), a value-focused production management concept, has long been challenging conventional project management practices in AECO.Lack of conversation, however, surrounds whether and how blockchain can (or should) impact LC developments -and vice versa.And if that impact exists -is it significant enough to create value for the related stakeholders?This article offers a conceptual synergistic framework of interactions between blockchain and LC, which can facilitate an understanding on whether there is value in their combined use.A systematic literature review and analysis serve as the foundation of this research.The findings show that LC can be facilitated by blockchain through trust building for relational procurement, data recording for some key activities (e.g.offsite construction, Last Planner System), and streamlining some non-value activities (e.g.payments).In return, blockchain can gain relevance for project management practices when it is defined and implemented in a LC framework.Also, LC can help improve blockchain-related workflows and decision making.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current state of research on the integration of blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry as a means of identifying gaps between the existing paradigm and practical applications for determining future research directions and improving the industry. The study aims to provide clear guidance on areas that need attention for further research and funding and to draw academic attention to factors beyond the technical dimension. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method systematic review is used, considering multiple literature types and using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework that covers three dimensions (technic, process and context) and three research elements (why, what and how). Data are retrieved and analysed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the 2017–2023 period. Findings While blockchain has the potential to address security, traceability and transparency and complement the system by integrating supporting applications, significant gaps still exist between these potentials and widespread industry adoption. Current limitations and further research needs are identified, including designing fully integrated prototypes, empirical research to identify operational processes, testing and analysing operational-level models or applications and developing and applying a technology acceptance model for the integration paradigm. Previous research lacks contextual settings, real-world tests or empirical investigations and is primarily conceptual. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive, critical systematic review of the integration of blockchain with BIM in the construction industry, using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework which can be applied in future reviews. The study provides insight into the current state and future opportunities for policymakers and practitioners in the AECO industry to prepare for the transition in this disruptive paradigm. It also provides a phased plan along with a clear direction for the transition to more advanced applications.
Nana Akua Adu-Amankwa, Farzad Pour Rahimian, Nashwan Dawood, Chansik Park
This paper reviews the potential applications of Digital Twins (DT) and Blockchain (BC) technologies throughout the building lifecycle phases by conducting a double-stranded systematic review of papers on the possible use of DT and BC. The results revealed the increasing interest in DT and BC and their potential use in all building lifecycle phases; however, studies focused mainly on the construction phase. The findings also revealed unique features of DT and BC, potentially supporting the proposal for their collaborative implementation to enhance building lifecycle management. This review's findings positioned the argument for more research on integrating DT and BC to augment building lifecycle management and the need to explore their relevance or role when transitioning from construction to post-construction. This paper elucidates readers on the potential role of DT and BC while developing a built asset and suggests directions for future research.
Habib Sadri, İbrahim Yitmen, Lavinia Chiara Tagliabue, Florian Westphal
Digital Twins (DTs), enriched with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology, promise a revolutionary breakthrough in smart asset management and predictive maintenance in the built environment. This study aims to portray a conceptual framework of Blockchain and AI-based DTs and outline its key characteristics, requirements, and system architecture by composing a functional model using IDEF0. Such an approach is expected to enhance predictive maintenance in building facilities, simplify the management and operation of smart built environments, and ultimately deliver valuable outcomes for facility operators, real estate practitioners, and end-users.
Mohamed Assaf, Lena Salami, Diana Salhab, Ahmed Hammad
The adoption of integrated project delivery (IPD) provides several advantages over traditional delivery methods, such as shorter schedules, efficient communication, and higher performance quality.However, its implementation is constantly hindered by many barriers.Existing studies on IPD barriers are limited to quantifying and addressing such obstacles.Additionally, hardly any studies have addressed the potential of advanced technologies in exploiting the adoption of IPD projects.Thus, this study presents an automated system that integrates blockchain, smart contracts, and BIM technologies to facilitate the implementation of IPD projects.Hyperledger Fabric and chaincodes are used to develop the blockchain network in accordance with 4D and 5D BIM models.The developed system simplifies various financial transactions throughout different phases of the IPD project implementation.The system allows non-owner participants to submit requests and review transaction records with the aim of minimizing possible conflicts.The methodology is evaluated by testing it on a real-life case study.The case study is modeled using BIM tools, and the corresponding blockchain network and smart contracts are developed.The findings prove the capability of the developed system to provide a secure and trustworthy platform for managing IPD transactions without the need for third-party involvement.
Gongfan Chen, Chuanni He, Simon M. Hsiang, Min Liu · 5 authors
Central project managers devote massive efforts to monitor, track, coordinate, and take actions to diagnose and prognose governed constraints and remove them to enable a reliable workflow.The blockchain-enabled smart contract can streamline the work process by predefining "intelligent" consensus to facilitate central managers' jobs.However, the inability of smart contracts to handle unexpected events under complicated environments posited challenges in realizing it automatically.This study aimed to develop adaptive mechanism to mediate production bottlenecks caused by constraints.First, the research identified the four main types of constraints and their levels of variability from a prefabricated project.Then, a simulation model was established to quantify the impacts of different constraints and determine the fair payment rules.Lastly, different constraint-bundled scenarios and execution policies were developed and encoded in the smart contracts for automated executions.Smart contracts can assist construction managers to motivate reliable production and minimize waste caused by bottlenecks in the system.
The Construction industry has a complex structure with multiple parties involved, which often leads to “adversarial relationships”, “risk avoidance”, and a “lack of trust” among the different actors. This culture is further compounded by a “linear workflow” that often results in low efficiency, delays, rework and unnecessary waste. Blockchain technology can help to mitigate these issues by creating a decentralised and transparent system, where all the actors can have access to a shared database, it allows tracking and monitors the different stages of the project, and even automate some processes increasing efficiency and reducing delays and rework. This study highlights the advantages of Blockchain technology, particularly how it can provide a single source of truth for project data while allowing multiple parties to access and share data in a secure and transparent way, improving the workflow of BIM projects and decreasing the likelihood of errors, mistakes, or fraudulent activities. The paper explores the integration of BIM and Blockchain across life cycle and supply chains based on the RIBA plan of work, with the objective to streamline collaboration while improving process efficiency and resource traceability in projects. The study proposes a roadmap performing a detailed literature survey for Blockchain adoption in the construction industry, and validated on a real-world Bridge project. Furthermore, this study is innovative since it examines the integration of BIM and Blockchain throughout the entire project lifecycle by simulating the smart contract implementation based on the RIBA plan of work, thus providing an in-depth examination of the potential benefits of this integration.
Over time, several procurement methods have been adopted to facilitate the successful delivery of construction projects with minimal financial losses in order to offer maximum value to clients. In recent years, the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) procurement model has been introduced for better overall financial performance. In this model, every member of the project team has a stake in overall profit or risk irrespective of the extent of their roles and change orders and correction of errors and omissions are managed effectively with minimal contractual disruptions. This paper aims to address some of the previously cited barriers in earlier scholarly work, and it proposes a conceptual framework that integrates two novel concepts towards tackling technological and financial barriers in adopting IPD namely, BIM and Smart Contracts (SC). A framework is developed for a BIM-blockchain-IPD whereby the BIM model is integrated with blockchain technology, thereby acting as an immutable and transparent information repository and a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects. The smart contract feature of blockchain technology offers an automated equitable distribution of risk and reward amongst project stakeholders based on agreements at project inception. Thus, the research contributes to a more efficient project delivery method by avoiding information asymmetry amongst stakeholders through a tamper-proof, BIM-enabled Common Data Environment (CDE). The proposed framework is validated with qualitative analysis of information obtained based on AEC industry procurement workflows
Jan 1, 2023·Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
The Non-Fungible Token (NFT) makes trading digitalized artworks online possible, which creates great opportunities in the artwork markets. Besides the extraordinary wealth it has created, the NFT trading market also brings many issues, such as intellectual property protection. Although there are a large number of transactions happening every day in the NFT market, there is no platform mechanism built to avoid copycat behaviors happening blatantly. In this paper, we propose a copycat detection and investigation framework. Besides, we propose to examine the effect of copycats on the price of original NFTs. The proposed project contributes to the literature on NFT management and NFT copyright, and also helps the NFT developers to protect their rights and benefits and helps NFT platforms to avoid potential legal issues.
Jan-Iwo Jäkel, Sophie Kalisch, Peter Gölzhäuser, Katharina Klemt‐Albert
To ensure intact infrastructure systems and a long service life of bridge structures in the operational phase, the establishment of a predictive maintenance management based on digital 3D models is essential.These 3D models are often not provided, especially for existing bridge structures.In addition, their creation is very complex, resource-intensive and involves many stakeholders.Through the use of digital methods and technologies, important efficiency steps have been taken in the creation of digital models in recent years.Although semi-automated modeling of digital bridge models is possible, the quality agreed upon is not always achieved at the end of each development step.In this article, an approach is developed to create transparency, safety, consistency and traceability for the generation process of digital models of existing bridge structures.The approach involves all stakeholders participating in the process and creates a decentralized control and documentation mechanism using distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain.First, the current status on the use of DLT in the construction industry and bridge engineering is presented.Then, the system concept is presented and the basic algorithm is described.The general system architecture and the workflow are presented and described in models.Then the basic feasibility of the approach is presented and the previously shown concept is implemented.The basic functions of the algorithm are described and the results are critically reviewed.The result of the article is showing the possibilities to use DLT and blockchain to improve the accuracy, transparency and security in the creation of digital models of existing bridge structures.
The building sector’s decarbonization progress made to date has not been enough to achieve the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C1. To avert a catastrophic climate disaster, mobilizing capital at the requisite scale and speed is urgently needed. However, as things stand, the investment in building decarbonization is unlikely to increase radically in the next few years. One of the biggest challenges is the financial barrier of decarbonization's demand and supply side. This barrier will lead to significant investment gaps and a subsequent market failure to deliver the net zero carbon emission target. With the rise of the voluntary carbon market and carbon data disclosure mandates, an emerging cohort of Web3 startups is helping corporations track, tokenize, and transact energy or carbon impact. This phenomenon inspired us to revisit monetizing carbon value in commercial real estate to bridge the decarbonization financing barrier. We identified four challenges to make this idea work: 1) measurement and verification, 2) streamlined automation, 3) stakeholder incentive alignment, and 4) fixing the failing carbon market. We examine if Web3 decarbonization solutions can tackle those four challenges in monetizing building decarbonization. By looking into Web3 applications in decarbonization data management, tokenization, and marketplace, we unpack the unique capabilities and potentials of Web3 solutions and how they are different from the status quo to accelerate decarbonization in commercial real estate. The findings are a mixture of "the emperor's new clothes" and " the next big thing ."Web3 startups are immature – most are at or before proof of concept. Nonetheless, Web3 technologies can play a role in providing improvements to carbon data management, aligning stakeholders' incentives, and increasing efficiency in the energy or carbon markets.
In Bae Chung, Carlos Caldas, Fernanda Fernanda Leite
Significant changes in the construction industry have been brought about by Building Information Modeling (BIM). While BIM has improved team collaboration and workflow efficiency, the model still faces multiple challenges. These are related primarily to the security, transparency, and reliability of the data shared in the model. A potential way to mitigate these problems, according to many studies, is blockchain technology. This paper reviews the recent literature on the integration of BIM and blockchain technology. Using a rigorous search-and-selection process, the authors conducted a systematic literature review by analyzing 70 studies relevant to BIM-blockchain integration. The state-of-the-art review explains how studies have implemented blockchain technology and provides an overview of different levels of adoption. Various application areas within the BIM process are explored to understand the ongoing research trend. The authors discuss limitations and offer recommendations on how best to implement future work in BIM-blockchain integration.